Beware of the Destroyers #132

Matthew 16:5
5 And the disciples came to the other side and had forgotten to take bread.
6 And Jesus said to them, "Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
7 And they began to discuss among themselves, saying, "It is because we took no bread."
8 But Jesus, aware of this, said, "You men of little faith, why do you discuss among yourselves that you have no bread?
9 "Do you not yet understand or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up?
10 "Or the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many large baskets you took up?
11 "How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
12 Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (NAS)

Ever notice how there is often a lesson within a lesson? Jesus and His disciples had traveled to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. As they approached the other side the disciples realized they had forgotten to bring anything to eat. The first words from Jesus' mouth was about leaven. Leaven caused bread to rise. The disciples immediate thoughts went to the times in the past when they had forgotten to bring bread. Feeling a bit guilty they began to discuss their forgetfulness.

Enter the first lesson. "Where is your faith? Do you not remember?" How it is to forget the provisions of God. Two different times Jesus had fed the disciples as well as four thousand people once and five thousand another time. Could they never get the lesson straight. God will provide.

Enter the second lesson. Jesus was speaking of the leaven of the Sadducees and Pharisees; the legalism and hypocrisy that invaded the life of freedom that Jesus brought to His followers. Beware! There will always be those who would destroy the freedom you have in Christ with rules and laws that promise what they cannot produce. Jesus always was concerned that what He came to give, "life and life more abundantly" would be snatched from His followers by a substitute religion based on performance and not grace.

Never forget the lessons of Jesus. First, He can meet your needs and second He came to give life through grace not life through rules.

_______________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Tempe's best Starbucks!

What a great time to visit with friends, total strangers and anyone who will talk. I find myself nearly every morning at Starbucks. This morning I saw a pastor friend, Bob Dodridge. It was good to see him again.

Sunday, I will be preaching for another pastor friend, Ron Cannell, at Northpointe Baptist Church. I am grateful for pastors who think of me when they are out of the pulpit and give me an opportunity to preach.

God continues to bless in so many ways. Our new grandson is only a little over three months from entering our world and bringing joy to our lives. Momma Mandy is excited as she enters the last trimester. Daddy John is getting the house ready with eager anticipation of the arrival of his son.

I will see the oncologist on Monday, the 14th, to get the results of the CT scan and the Ultra Sound and Lab work. Anticipating the report to be great. Appreciate your prayers and concern not only for health but for ministry opportunities. Thanks.

I hope and pray that you and your family are doing well. I continue to enjoy hearing from you. May God bless you today with special mercy and grace and may He be your strength today.