Connected in The Word 9-16-25
And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15
What is your first gut response to the words above? Who do you think Jesus is speaking to? Who are they that justify themselves before men? What is exalted among men that is an abomination in the sight of God? If you’ve read my devotions before, you may already suspect that this is a trick question. I’m guilty as charged, so let’s get right to the point!
The most helpful thing I’ve learned about reading God’s Word is that before I try to speak, apply, or administer the Word to others – I MUST FIRST LET THE WORD BE SPOKEN, APPLIED, AND ADMINISTERED IN MY LIFE! When have I been a lover of money, an unfaithful steward of God’s gifts, or tried to justify myself before men? What are the other “masters” I serve instead of God? There’s no sense in covering it up or making excuses because God knows my heart. The Scriptures speak a word of Law into my life which reveals my sin. But the Scriptures don’t stop speaking! They also speak a word of Gospel into my life which reveals our Crucified and Risen Savior Jesus!
PLEASE HEAR THIS LOUD AND CLEAR! I’m NOT suggesting that Christians should not speak the Truth of God’s Word into this horrifically corrupted world filled with all kinds of abominations. But please speak ALL OF GOD’S WORD – Especially the Gospel! If you are a believer in Jesus who is struggling with how to speak into a world full of abominations, let me offer this advice. Let the Word of God first speak into your life. Let it reveal your sin and let it reveal your Savior. Then, as you speak into the world – SIMPLY TELL THEM WHAT JESUS HAS DONE ABOUT ALL THE ABOMINATIONS IN YOUR OWN HEART! It was the Gospel that changed your heart. It is the Gospel that will change the heart of the world!