Hey there!
It's been really good being back at home in Chicago, slowing down my life a bit, and daily reading the word of God.
Before I do my errands, studies, or hangouts for the day, I've been coming out a coffee shop and reading these passion week passages. And reading these verses in the passion week are really reviving my soul!
Here're some thoughts from today's reading.
I was utterly humbled and rebuked as I read Jesus' "Woe to you..." rebukes to the teachers and the Pharisees. To be honest, I am very fearful... Verses like these really cut directly into my heart:
Matthew 23:27 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean. 28 In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.
I was able to see my own unclean heart - how much have I worked on my outer Xtian - saying the right things, studying to be a pastor, working to become a better preacher, presenting myself self as a good jundo, etc.
But how little time I have spent working on my inner character and my heart. I am once again reminded that God does not look at the outside of a man but He look at our hearts.
So all the more, I am thankful for these rebukes that bring a reality check of my heart.
I know that I am utterly sinful, unclean, and broken in the inside. But seeing my own wickedness makes me long for the cross of Christ all the more!
But I am thankful for this cross that offers freedom, forgiveness, and grace to anyone who willingly accepts its gift. I am grateful that a sinner like me - no different than a tax collectors or a prostitute - can be accepted.
P. Jim
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