Lent devotion

I hope I haven't been mistaken about which week of Lent this is. And I've not been following any Lenten devotions until today. It's amazing how God speaks. In my study of Matthew during BSF, I saw the Beatitudes are like beautiful attitudes. Being poor in spirit, mourning, meek, longing for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemaker, persecuted for the sake of Christ, these are what disciples of Christ should possess. It's not the law but it's an attitude, a behaviour or character that a disciple of Christ should display. Following the Beatitudes is the verse that says we are the salt and light of the earth. So, we be salt and light by showing the beautiful attitudes taught by Christ.

Brought to my attention this morning was the brother of the prodigal son, who cried "unfair". First thought that came to me was that it was unfair, until I remembered that Jesus came for the sick and not the healthy. There is rejoicing when one who is spiritually dead is made alive. Yet sometimes we think it shouldn't be because this person is so wretched he doesn't deserve the good things of God or salvation.

My conviction came when I realise my mindset was like that of the Pharisees who do works for men to see, who are whitewashed tombs full of spiritual decay. The older son remained righteous, fulfilling his responsibilities and doing his duties. But salvation is not bought by these works. It is given freely to those who like, the younger son, turn back in repentance and called himself unworthy. The older brother felt that he deserved his reward and demanded it from his father.

Startling revelation. I’d always hated to be associated with Pharisees but God clearly showed me that I do think like them sometimes. So, my application is to remember grace and adopt the beautiful attitudes Christ taught.

Love,
Alicia