Sep 19

The Pharisees sought to know God and in this they were wise. It is wisdom to seek God. Jesus, who severely condemned the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, still acknowledged that they were
correct in their desire to obey God's laws (Matt. 23:1-3).

But they were at fault for thinking that by their efforts to obey God's laws they would be justified before God. For no one can fully obey God's demand for perfection. To think otherwise is
legalism, which brings death not life. Nevertheless, the Pharisees did try to know God. They knew that was important.What they did not know was that there is something even more important: for God to know them.

Through their insistence on legalism, the Pharisees kept God at a distance from their heart. They knew God after a manner, but they did not let God know them. They reversed these two in their order of importance.

When Jesus gave the disciples a vision of the coming judgment of God, he described the final verdict in these chilling words. He, Jesus, would sit as judge and look at those who refused him entry into their heart and say . . . what? Will he say, "You did not know me?" No. He will say:"I never knew you" (Mt. 7:23).

If we would be saved, we must let God know our hearts -- and possess that heart as his own.

Scripture for today: Matthew 7:15-23
Thought for today: If I would be saved, I must let God know my heart.
Prayer for today: I open my heart to you, Lord. Search it to its depths. Know my heart -- so that I may know yours.

SEP 19