reading for: 23 September

Matthew 21:23-32

Our Stubborn, Unbelieving Hearts

• READ

On the surface, this encounter between the chief priests and Jesus can be seen a simple casual interaction. But make no mistake, this is an intense engagement!

Earlier in Matthew 21, Jesus enters Jerusalem for his final leg of his life on the journey of obedience. He knows it will end at the cross, rejected and crucified (Matt 17:22-23, 20:17-19). So after clearing the temple (21:12-17), he returns and begins teaching. Only to be interrupted by the chief priests and elders, demanding for an answer.

“Who are you to do this?!?! Who are you to ride a donkey into Jerusalem (Note: Only the King could do such a thing)! Turn everything upside down and now stand there and teach us!” (Paraphrase of “Who gave you the right and authority?”)

Jesus answers them calmly with a question, and a promise that if they answered, he would too. ‘Stunned like a vegetable’, the chief priests could only respond with “We do not know.” (v. 25-27)

One can only imagine the smile that Jesus hides from them. But with an almost immediacy, Jesus fires another question. An easier question that the chief priests would be able to answer, which they do (v. 31)!

Jesus proceeds to explain the parable just in case they didn’t get the point: 

In summary, they are stubborn and hard-hearted towards God! Refusing to believe and repent. Refusing to change their minds. 

The evidence of their stubbornness is on two counts (v. 32),

1) They rejected John the Baptist who came and showed the way

2) And now they’re also rejecting the miracle of tax collectors and prostitutes repenting

Once again, we know how it all ends. Though in this encounter the chief priests don't get their way. They finally get their way later when they crucify Jesus.

• REFLECT

When we read a story like this, our immediate reaction is to think of someone who is like that, this person or that person. If you are a leader, your LG member. If you’re married, your spouse. If you’re single, your enemy. 

But this condition of stubborn unbelief is what we all suffer from and need God’s saving grace. And the best way to change a situation, is to allow God to first transformed us. 

In the past week, has there been any intense engagements you had with anyone?

What was your posture and attitude towards that person and God? 

Take a moment to reflect, confess and receive God’s saving grace to forgive and redeem your stubborn heart.

reading for: 24 September

Exodus 17:1-7

A Doubting, Stubborn, Unbelieving Heart

• READ

  There is a growing intensity of Israel’s stubborn unbelief towards the LORD. Coming out fresh from the Red Sea, they had first grumbled about bitter water (Ex 15:24). Last week we saw them grumble about being hungry (Ex 16:3). And now, faced with no water to drink, their grumbles become quarrelling. 

  Grumbling in our English language is like murmuring, a quiet displeasure and unhappiness. But quarrelling takes this up another level. It is no more a quiet displeasure, it becomes a demand of rights. Similar to what we saw yesterday amongst the chief priests. 

  “Give us water to drink! Its an essential right for every human being to have water to drink! Give it to me now!” 

  Moses’ response sheds light on the situation. The people of Israel are asking the wrong person for the wrong thing. Moses doesn’t have the ability to give water. He’s only God’s chosen vessel. Not the Creator God or Saviour. (v. 2)

  Refusing to back down, the Israelites push further, “Why did you bring us out only to kill us with thirst?! And you’re not only harming us, but our families! Our children! Our livestock!” If they had social media then, they might have posted #HarmingMeMyFamilyMyChildren

  Moses however knows who is the Creator and True Provider. So he rightly cries out to the LORD and is answered. 

  A rock and a strike later, water comes gushing out of a rock for the people. 

  Because of this significant moment, Moses names this place Massah and Meribah. Which translates to “quarrelling” and “testing”. 

  This encounter shows us how a stubborn unbelieving heart manifests. It starts out with grumbling, a quiet displeasure, but it can slowly descend into an angry, demand. Which ultimately doubts the very presence of the LORD (v. 7).

• REFLECT

  It's important to notice the developments within our hearts so that we can quickly turn to the Lord.

  Is there someone or something  that we are quietly displeased about? 

  In our thoughts have we been stuck in thinking about how we are on the “losing end” of things? Or have we been questioning the existence of the LORD? 

  Take a moment to allow the Holy Spirit to bring to a memory or encounter to mind. Allow Him to search your heart. 

  Turn back to the LORD by confessing your unbelief and asking the Holy Spirit to help you in your unbelief.

reading for: 25 September

Philippians 2:1-13

A Humble, Loving Heart Because of Jesus

• READ

  The tone in this passage marks a distinct change from our past 2 readings. Paul paints a picture of how we can respond just like Jesus! Because of the way He has lived his life. The kind of attitude, the kind of mind we can have, if our hearts are turned to Jesus.

  Don’t be selfish, don’t try to impress others. 

  Be humble, think of others better than yourselves. (v. 3)

  Don’t look out only for your own self interests, but take an interest in others. (v. 4)

  Jesus was God, but didn’t cling onto his status. Instead, he gave it up and became a slave and took on human form (v. 6-7).

  Then he humbled himself and obeyed God to die as a criminal on the cross (v. 8).

  This is what a heart, turned towards God the Father looks like. Instead of manifesting in grumbling, quarrelling or doubt, we can be humble and invested in others. This is the result of God’s salvation work in us, giving us both the desire and power to do what pleases the Father.

• REFLECT

  Jesus shows us what a heart turned towards God looks like. By dying on the cross, he not only paid the price for our stubborn, unbelieving hearts, he also made the way for us to have a humble loving heart. This is the work of God in us.

  Pray and ask the Lord to deepen the desire and power in your heart to do what pleases the Father. (v. 13)

reading for: 26 September

Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16

Cultivating a Humble Loving Heart

• READ

  In our final reading of the week, the Psalmist gives us instructions on how to cultivate a heart that is humble and loving! 

  Each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. 

  Then they will not be like their ancestors - stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God. (Ps 78:7-8 NLT)

  We are to listen to God’s instructions, open our ears to what He says (v. 1).

  Learn from the hidden lessons of the past (v. 2) through the stories we have heard (v. 3).

  And tell them to the next generation (v. 4). 

  The story is summarised from verses 12 to 16, but really, it's the entire Psalm.

• REFLECT

  Take time to read the entire of Psalm 78. 

  Listen to one thing that you sense the Lord speaking to you about, through a verse or phrase that stands out. 

  Pray and ask the Lord for a humble loving heart for yourself and the next generation.