16/09/2018 - THE MISTAKE OF THE RELIGIOUS

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“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Matthew 23: 23

Jesus warned the scribes (those who copied the Bible manually) and the Pharisees (religious radicals), calling them hypocrites, because they believed the word of God in tithing, which was correct, but despised the most important of the Law: justice, mercy, and faith. In fact, they believed in the obligation of tithing and preached about it, but they withheld it. Therefore, they were called false, because they spoke one thing and did another.

Any divine warning should be taken seriously. The Most High would never lie. So even if you do not see the danger He has pointed out, believe and prepare to be defensive or offensive, for He will guide you in every situation. Those instructed by the Holy Spirit are sons of God, but he who is led by the enemy becomes his son.

Be true in everything. Those who live in error lose the son ship of the Lord and become children of the wicked. Unbelievers are heirs of the devil and want to satisfy their father’s will (John 8: 44). To be under the authority of the accuser is the worst choice, because the devil destroys the lives that are under his command.

From time to time, we find someone contrary to the observance of tithing, saying that this was Old Testament practice. Now, the verse we are studying was not known until the Lord pronounced it on that day. He said that the Jews were hypocrites because they gave the tithe of the vegetables, but they did not fulfill the most important part of the Law. They were to obey the other ordinances, without omitting the tithing of the vegetables.

One must believe and assume justice, because the attainment of the judgment of God cost the life of Jesus when He suffered our transgressions, iniquities, pains and infirmities, as well as the chastisement that brings us peace. When you believe that the Lord truly substituted you in His death, you will be a free person.

Mercy is a loving act of God, which looks upon the wounded, who has nothing to offer, extends His hand to him and lifts him up to walk with his head up high. If we are merciful, we will attain mercy. By the way, what does God’s mercy represent to you? Have you used it?

Faith makes us stand out from other people. With it, we please the Lord, and we serve Him as He desires. Do not be fooled by the words of the devil, because there are only lies in them. Respect the Word and you will please the Most High.

In Christ with love,

R. R. Soares