Pastor Mikes Daily Devotion Saturday January 24, 2015 Matthew 16:6, Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” The religious community has approached Jesus and asked to see a sign from heaven. He refuses their request according to their terms, and basically tells them the only sign that they will get will be His future resurrection. As we look at the gospels, we see that the Lord did do many signs (miracles). What is the role of signs, and how does the Lord used them? Always keep in mind that signs are for pointing and directing to the final destination, they are not the final destination in and of themselves. In Christianity, signs should always lead people to Christ, not any man or ministry. People who focus on signs alone just develop a hunger for more. Notice how all the healings, walking on water, feedings, and stilling of the sea is no longer enough for those who approach Jesus here. The Lord tells us to beware of such people. There are three things in the scriptures that Jesus tells the church to beware of. First, Jesus told us to beware of the leaven of Herod. We need to be on guard against the politicization of the church. Heaven, revival, or peace cannot be obtained politically; these things come as the church directs people to Jesus Christ. When the church concedes influence and control to the government, we come under their direction rather than the Holy Spirit. Secondly, Jesus told us to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees. We are to keep watch, and not allow the influence of tradition and legalism to supersede the grace of God and the obedience to His word. Lastly, Jesus told us to beware of the leaven of the Sadducees. This is the influence of liberalism, as man makes his ideas and interpretations of a higher priority than the truth of the Word. Signs and wonders that do not lead us to Christ bring so many bad influences into the church. But it is as we look to the Lord that we are directed to our God of glory. Psalm 119:133, Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me.
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 13:08:00 +0000