Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

6 February 2025

Reading From Matthew 23:23-39

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.”

–Matthew 23:23-24

     Spices were very expensive in ancient times and were used not only in cooking but also in medicines, religious ceremonies and even as money.  The religious leaders in Jesus’ day were tithing from their spices but were not concerning themselves with the heart of the law, which was devotion to Yahweh expressed in justice, mercy and faithfulness.  

     It is interesting that Jesus doesn’t say, “don’t worry about tithing, just focus on justice, mercy and faithfulness.”  It isn’t either/or, it is both.  This reminds me of our modern times when some Christians focus on holiness but neglect showing compassion to others or put emphasis on social justice causes while ignoring sound doctrine and morality.  God calls us to all the above.  It’s all important.

“Lord Jesus, bring balance to our expressions of faith.  May we obey You out of our love for You.  When we yield to the movement of Your Spirit in our lives, You bear excellent quality spiritual fruit in us.  Thank You that You are alive and active in Your eternal family.  In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.”

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

–Matthew 5:17

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humblywith your God.

–Micah 6:8