Matthew 12 New Living Translation (NLT)
7 But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’
12 And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep!...
“…For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. 35 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. 36 And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. 37 The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”
As I was reading Matthew 12 this morning, I asked God “What do you want to tell Life-Spring today?” Above are the scriptures that I felt the Lord highlight to me during my time with Him.
The Lord highlighted Matthew 12:7 “7 But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’” I felt like the Lord wants to tell Life-spring to show mercy to those around us. Not just when we feel like it or when we are in the right mood or whether or not someone deserves it but as God requires.
Like many of us I too am stuck at home with my family and at times find myself losing patience and getting frustrated easily. I noticed I was getting restless and my heart was getting bitter based on the words that were coming out of my mouth. When I don’t take time to be in the presence of God and have my quiet time, I can see my fuse getting shorter.
Gabe reminded us on Sunday to make our homes a place of worship. That means being intentional and deliberate about making time for God. This is important as God is the one who will give us rest from our restlessness and teaches us how to overcome our circumstances and show us how to love and show mercy to others. In Matthew 11:28 it says “28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Then I felt God reminding me in Matthew 12:12 “12 And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep!…” Human interactions are very rare today and we need to be grateful and value the ones we are allowed to have. Although our words and actions may not demonstrate that all the time, it is important to search our hearts and make sure we are in alignment with God and representing Him well.
Matthew 12: 34-37 says “…For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. 35 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. 36 And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. 37 The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”
As you spend some time in prayer, ask God to search your heart. Ask Him to reveal where or whom you need to show mercy to. Ask God to teach you how to do so as you surrender the things of your heart to Him.
Prayer: Father I thank you for your word today. I thank you that you have called us to represent you in all circumstances. We ask that as we seek you that you would give us rest and teach us how to find rest in you. Show us how to show mercy to one another. God I ask that you would search our hearts and reveal to us where or whom we need to show mercy to and where we need to get right with you God. I thank you for your mercy that you have shown us and we pray that we would do the same to your precious people. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!