At CTV we believe that God speaks to us through the Bible. We hear from God better when we read and interact with his written word together. Below you will find the Bible reading for each week day, along with some initial comments from one of our facilitators. May God meet and shape us through this conversation! Visit us online @ ChurchInTheVineyard.org ~ Pastor Chip
As I studied Matthew 3, this morning, Matthew shouted to me, as if through a megaphone: what is your motivation for following Christ?
Indoctrinated since childhood, with all things Emily Post, I was appalled when John calls the Sadducees and the Pharisees, who come seeking Baptism, a "Brood of Vipers"(NLT); and asks them: "Do you think a little water on your snakeskin is going to make a difference?"(Message).
However, when Jesus, God's perfect Son, comes to request the same, John becomes the consummate gentleman, saying: “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” And earlier, John says he is not even worthy to carry Jesus’ sandals.
John’s two contrasting responses to these baptism requests, remind me that God wants my motivation to be humble, pure and completely God-focused, like Jesus.’ But like a Pharisee, I often pursue the approval of others and am, only, outwardly compliant to the sacraments.
God, please cleanse my viper’s heart and replace it with the heart of Jesus.
As I studied Matthew 3, this morning, Matthew shouted to me, as if through a megaphone: what is your motivation for following Christ?
ReplyDeleteIndoctrinated since childhood, with all things Emily Post, I was appalled when John calls the Sadducees and the Pharisees, who come seeking Baptism, a "Brood of Vipers"(NLT); and asks them: "Do you think a little water on your snakeskin is going to make a difference?"(Message).
However, when Jesus, God's perfect Son, comes to request the same, John becomes the consummate gentleman, saying: “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” And earlier, John says he is not even worthy to carry Jesus’ sandals.
John’s two contrasting responses to these baptism requests, remind me that God wants my motivation to be humble, pure and completely God-focused, like Jesus.’ But like a Pharisee, I often pursue the approval of others and am, only, outwardly compliant to the sacraments.
God, please cleanse my viper’s heart and replace it with the heart of Jesus.