February 24 - Mark 12: Most Important of All

"Which is the most important of all the commandments?" 

Jesus said, "The first in importance is, 'Listen Israel: The Lord your God is one, so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.' And here is the second: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' There is no other commandment that ranks with these." 

The religion scholar said, "A wonderful answer, Teacher!...Why, that's better than all offerings and sacrifices put together!" 

When Jesus realized how insightful he was, he said, "You're almost there, right on the border of God's kingdom." (12:29-24)

Today God's Word is the surgeon's scalpel that the writer of Hebrews talks about. I am without excuse.

His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. (4:12)

I confess that I've been griping and complaining about others - a lot. I've been critical and judgmental, angry and irritable. Not always out loud, of course, but definitely in my heart and mind. The 1 Corinthians definition of godly love exposes my blatant sin of a lack of love:

Love never gives up, love cares more for others than for self...isn't all "me first," doesn't keep score of the sins of others...puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best (13:4-7)

This is what God asks of me, not outward compliance with His rules and looking like I'm obeying. He wants my heart, a heart motivated to love Him and others, rather than a heart motivated to look good to others by my apparent sacrifices and offerings.

Loving God with all of me and loving others as myself is the best evidence of God's rule and authority in my life - even the religion scholar recognized that.

Lord, thank You that Your Word is truth. Thank You for exposing my sin. I am without defense. I don't want to live on the border of Your kingdom, out of fellowship with You. I praise You that because of Jesus, I am already forgiven, yet I recognize that these sins of mine sent Jesus to the cross. May I not take that lightly today.