Scripture
39 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.
Reflection
In this passage, Jesus is approaching the end of his public ministry. It was while in Jerusalem that Jesus had numerous conflicts with false religious leaders. It was during one of these encounters that Jesus started to explain to his disciples the difference between authentic faith and false religion.
Jesus made the point that false religion does not act. It’s only words, but no actions are evident in a person’s life. A false religion will advocate helping people around you but would fail to execute it. It only listens but doesn’t act. It continues to engage in religious work, but your life shows no evidence of the belief system you claim.
True faith, on the other hand, exhibits evidence of what you believe. A believer who shows true faith doesn’t act because he or she has to, but because they get to. They know it doesn’t only glorify God, but in doing so, they also experience joy.
How do your actions match up with your words and do you do it with a grumbling heart or with a joyful heart knowing it glorifies our Heavenly Father.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Pray for those in a storm. Pray for anyone you know who is facing challenges or struggles right now. If you feel you are a in storm, ask God to make his presence known.
