The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Mark 12:38-40,
"As he taught, Jesus said, 'Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.'"
Jesus claimed that "teachers of the law" would be "punished most severely." What a frightening outlook these ones have awaiting them! As John the Baptist observed, "The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands." John 3:35. In John 5:28-30 Jesus says, "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his (Jesus', the Son of God's) voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me." In verse 22 of that chapter, Jesus points out, "Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son..." The Judge himself is telling us that these teachers of the law will be punished most severely!
"As he taught, Jesus said, 'Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.'"
Jesus claimed that "teachers of the law" would be "punished most severely." What a frightening outlook these ones have awaiting them! As John the Baptist observed, "The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands." John 3:35. In John 5:28-30 Jesus says, "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his (Jesus', the Son of God's) voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me." In verse 22 of that chapter, Jesus points out, "Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son..." The Judge himself is telling us that these teachers of the law will be punished most severely!
Jesus describes these teachers of the law as being prideful, arrogant and full of themselves as they take advantage of the most helpless (widows) around them. Do you see these types around these days? You don't have to look far.
We know there will be varying degrees of suffering when Jesus brings his judgment against all who have not embraced him in faith. "Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town." Matthew 10:15. "But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you." Matthew 11:22. Here in Mark 12:40 we read these teachers of the law will be punished "most severely" indicating that it will be worse for them than some of the others when all will have to give an account of themselves.
We know there will be varying degrees of suffering when Jesus brings his judgment against all who have not embraced him in faith. "Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town." Matthew 10:15. "But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you." Matthew 11:22. Here in Mark 12:40 we read these teachers of the law will be punished "most severely" indicating that it will be worse for them than some of the others when all will have to give an account of themselves.
As I look around myself, as I watch the news, as I watch (ir)religious programming, etc. I find myself thinking more and more of how those who are facing an eternity of punishment seem so oblivious to what is awaiting them! How can the aggrandizing of oneself, or the seeking of pleasure for oneself, for our short lifetimes, stack up against the outcome of judgment day?
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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