I read this on Today in the Word a while back. I found it amazing because I know people that are like this. They miss the needs while rule-keeping is so "vital" to what they perceive as unity in the body. But some real needs were getting overlooked as the church continued to shrink as one after one, the sheep died off. The "faithful" few continue to encourage themselves now that the "backsiders" are gone because God is slimming down the church for the end time revival. Other churches [that are growing] are just experiencing "swelling" and not true growth because they are "compromisers" who don't believe the same rules that "our" church believes. God have mercy on the Pharisees. I don't want them to go to hell even though some of them would be glad if I did.
TODAY IN THE WORD
Most people dread the arrival of an IRS auditor who will scrutinize their record keeping and analyze every receipt. But in Jesus' time, tax collectors had a thoroughly scurrilous reputation. They had the unenviable task of collecting taxes and tolls for the civil and religious authorities, and they frequently overcharged in order to keep the extra profit for themselves. Levi was one of them.
The Pharisees wanted to keep God's law, but they were so invested in their own interpretation that they couldn't recognize when God Himself was right in front of them. Prayerfully consider the following questions: Are you more concerned about things being done a certain way than about extending mercy to those in need? Do you reject “sinners” rather than pray for an opportunity to reach the lost? If your heart resembles a Pharisee more than Jesus, be willing to abandon your interpretation and embrace His authority.
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