Matthew 23:1-3 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples: "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.
Observation
Jesus speaks to the people telling them to do everything the teachers are telling them to do, but cautions them 'don't do what they are doing'. They are not living what they say. Everything they do is done for the people to see, putting on a big show outwardly, but their hearts are far from God. They are blind guides, full of dead men's bones. No life, only the appearance of righteousness - but nothing right about it.
Application
There was a time in my early teen life that I sometimes would question something my dad would say for me not to do - then I would see him doing the very thing he told me not to do. "How come I shouldn't do this, and you are doing it?" His response was, "Do as I say, not as I do." It left me angry and confused when he would say that.
After I had given my heart to God, back in 1970 - I was about 20 years old, married, had a little boy of my own, I felt like I needed to have a conversation with my dad about some unfinished things that had left me bitter and unforgiving towards him.
I said, "Dad, I just want you to know I love you, and I forgive you for all the hurts and confusion you caused in my life, and I hope you will forgive me for the pain and heartache I may have caused you. I wasn't the best daughter. I'm sorry."
He was quiet, and then he surprised me - he cried. He told me he was sorry he messed up being a dad. He made mistakes, a lot of them. I forgave him. We hugged and cried together. It wasn't long afterwards that my dad became a believer in Jesus Christ and found forgiveness, mercy, unconditional love and grace.
The Pharisees' were not good examples for the people and Jesus said - obey their words, but don't act the way they do. It's not right.
God wants me to 'walk my talk'. Always - to do what He says, and to do what I have seen Him do. Jesus is my example.
Prayer
Father, thank You that I was raised in a home that though my father and mother were far from perfect and made lots of mistakes - they loved me, corrected me, and tried their best to teach me right from wrong. Yes, they sent mixed signals, had double standards, and really were not very good role models - but You were able to use my parents in my life to help me find my way to You. I searched for You and I found You. And then they found You too.
My boys are men now, and pretty much I've made my own share of mistakes - they probably have already told on me to You. But if it helps them find You, then it's a good thing I am their mom.
It's not too late to influence my grandkids - so for that I ask for help and guidance. If I say no to them - then it's a no for me too. I need Your strength and Your Holy Spirit to pattern my life, values, attitudes, and behaviors in such a way that will effect the generations to come so they will turn their hearts to You.
Thank You for Your love and grace and for Your forgiveness when I've acted like a pharisee. Guard my heart I pray. In Jesus Name, A-men.
John 13:12 So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
