EVERY WORD OF GOD FOR DAILY LIVING BY: PASTOR PAUL RIKA:
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide
TITLE: WEIGHTER MATTERS OF CHRISTIANITY
DATE: Tuesday, February 2, 2021
TEXT: Jeremiah 22:15-16
KEY VERSE: Matthew 23:23 ‘Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.’
Weightier matters of Christianity refer to matters that have greater weight in Christianity; matters of more significance or importance in Christianity. In today’s key verse, we see Jesus saying that paying tithes of mints and anise and cummin is mandatory because they are part of the law but there are more important issues which are weightier matters of the law. When you are studying a course in the university, you are given the option to read what we call an elective course, which has nothing to do with your main academic programme. It is like somebody reading Medicine who opts for History as an elective. What has History got to do with Medicine? But then, you are still required to take it as part of your course even though it is not the main thing. History cannot help a medical doctor treat a sick person, yet you are required to read it all the same. That is how the university authorities have designed it even though it is not as important as compulsory courses. Similarly, when it comes to the laws of God, there are weightier matters of the law which are of higher importance and significance to God.
Jesus pronounced woe upon the Pharisees, Scribes and Sadducees because they were majoring on minor issues and ignoring the weightier matters of eternal life. They insisted that tithes should be paid on the smallest income because they feasted on the tithes of the people. They were strict to ensure money comes in even on smallest things but they say nothing about the sinful characters of the people. They said nothing about the wickedness among the people. They said nothing about the oppression of the less-privileged among them, but were very concerned about money. Why? They lived on the money of the people. They were materialistic; they didn’t bother about the souls of the people. They were not bothered about the righteous demands of God. That was why the Lord pronounced woes upon them. Jesus stressed that the weightier matters of the law are matters of judgement, mercy and faith. This is what affects the lives of the people, this is what will change the people, this is what will give them eternal life, but you left them and you are majoring in minor matters. Unfortunately, this is the pitiful state of most of today’s Christian leaders.
Thought for the day: Focus on the major issues of Christianity that have eternal values.
Song for the day: Live a holy life, a life that pleases Jesus for without holiness…
Bible reading for the day: Exodus 29-30; Matthew 22:1-22