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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion March 5, 2005 Veneer |
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Frontline Devotion for Saturday, March 5, 2005 By Don
Kress
Matthew
23:1-12
The other day I was one of several people seated around a large conference
table, when one of the participants made a prediction, after which she made a
fist and, beginning to move her knuckles toward the table top, said, “Knock on
…” Before she could get out the next word, another of the meeting
participants interjected, “veneer!” We all laughed, and then the
meeting continued.
About a year ago, our conference room got this new table. It looks like a
beautiful mahogany table, but on closer inspection you will see that it’s
particleboard with a nice mahogany veneer. One of the dictionary
definitions for veneer is: “to cover an object with a thin layer of
costly material to give an appearance of superior quality.” That’s
exactly what the veneer on our conference table does, and that’s exactly what
Jesus, in today’s text, accuses the religious rulers of doing with their
behavior. Jesus says that the scribes and Pharisees talk a good line, but
they don’t live it. He says that their talk is veneer.
Today’s passage, and the remainder of the chapter, portrays the clash between
Jesus and the religious rulers of Jerusalem. Jesus’ public denunciation
of the scribes and Pharisees was delivered in unmistakable terms. Few, if
any, words that ever fell from Jesus’ lips were more scathing. It’s no
wonder that after this merciless condemnation they determined that He had to be
killed.
Jesus tells us not to be like the scribes and Pharisees, wanting our lives to be
perpetual fashion shows, sitting at the head table, basking in the most
prominent positions, receiving honorary degrees, and seeking public flattery.
He tells us that if we really want to stand out in the crowd, we need to step
down and be a servant. Only then will you become great. Jesus became
the servant of all, and then He was made the greatest of all! Follow his
example!!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me for those times when I cover my flaws with
veneer and want people to notice how wonderful I am. Strip the veneer from
my life and expose the real wood beneath, wood that you will make beautiful if
I’m willing to be your servant. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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