In both Matthew 12 and 15 Jesus teaches that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. And we readily agree with Jesus’s assessment that people who unrepentantly pursue sinful activities and words are revealing a corrupt heart. But what about the people who look good on the outside but are corrupt on the inside? In another passage, Jesus calls the Pharisees white-washed tombs. How does the person who maintains a level of outward Christianity while they inwardly rebel fit into Jesus’s teaching on the heart? The issue isn’t how we respond when we’re getting what we want and things seem to be going our way. The issue is how we respond when things go wrong, people don’t cooperate, or we’re provoked. Jesus illustrated this truth in His interaction with a woman whose response to provocation was humble and quiet. Instead of getting angry, she responded with grace and showed her faith. Unfortunately, I’m really good at looking good on Sunday when I know I’m expected to act a certain way. My words are always gracious when my wife and kids are acting in accord with my expectation or when my neighbors are friendly. But as soon as I don’t get my way, my still sinful heart has a tendency to show itself. My heart is revealed most when COVID ruins my plans, when injustice is prominent, or when my brothers and sisters in Christ confront me. I wish I could say that I can think back on my responses in these situations and see consistent grace and faith in the fire, but the responses that stick in my mind are the ones when I complained, acted unjustly, or was stubborn. I’m still a work in progress, but I’m thankful that He who began it is faithful to complete it. May God change our hearts and sanctify us completely so that He might keep our whole spirits, souls, and bodies blameless at the coming of Jesus Christ. –Pastor Rory Martin
Sunday at Liberty
AM: Pastor Rory–Matthew 15:1-31–The Messiah’s Jewish Rejection (sermon notes)
PM: No Hymn Sing
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