Proud

Text: Romans 2:17-24

Theme: The Jews boasted of knowledge and status, yet dishonored God.

Key verses: “You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God’s law, and you boast about your special relationship with him…you know what is right because you have been taught his law. You are convinced you are a guide for the blind…You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth” (v. 17-20). “You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. No wonder the Scriptures say, ‘The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you” (v. 23-24).

What God said to me: Good rainy morning! Glad to see you are investing your quarantine time. Make the most of this gift of alone time I’ve given. You now have the entire month of April to read, study and write. Don’t squander it. Remember I told you quite directly in your car a few weeks ago to write and finish the book on the model prayer. Now I have cleared you off time to accomplish that command. See you to it. Regarding this passage, the Jews were proud of their heritage and pedigree. They rested on their laurels and knowledge, thinking that qualified them to teach others and be favored in my sight. As a result, they actually turned others away from the Truth and the Way. They brought death on others through their arrogance and ill-conceived actions. They said one thing, but did the complete opposite. May that never be with you, Dwayne. I see your motives and your secret faults. Nothing is hidden from me. Be the same person in private that you claim to be in public. It matters.

What I said to God: Father, I adore You. Lay my life before You. How I love You. Thank You for this unprecedented opportunity you have given me to write and draw closer to You. Thank You for the privilege we have as a ministry to encourage our community and other church leaders. Please help us not waste these days, but do all we can to help others through this challenging and tragic time of COVID-19. I humble myself under Your almighty hand. Praise You for Your love and mercy and faithfulness and justice. You are the God Adonai. You are the King.