Truth
“‘Her priests do violence to my law and profane my holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy and the common; they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean; and they shut their eyes to the keeping of my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.’”
Today’s Text: Ezekiel 22:17-31 (Living Life Daily Devotional)
As a pastor, I am daily confronted by the truth that “Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins” (Ecclesiastes 7:20). But I am confronted with that truth in myself first and foremost. And so, I find that I have no business or right to condemn anyone else for their sins.
I am certain that I “do violence” to God’s law and “profane” His holy things day to day, week to week, month to month, year to year. I don’t have the righteousness in me to
distinguish between the holy and the common.”
I am keenly aware of my continual need for Jesus in my life—His mercy, His forgiveness, His guidance, His love.
Through faith, I know that I have the Holy Spirit in me. Because of the Spirit in me, I know that there is a “difference between the unclean and the clean.” And so, I do not shut my eyes to the keeping of the Sabbath, or anything else the Lord commands me to do or commands me not to do.
And to the best of my ability, with whatever discernment the Holy Spirit has given me, I do my best to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and to speak the truth in love. Yet, I have no delusion or pretense of being any “holier” than anyone else—nor should anyone think of me like that, either.
I have always been uncomfortable when people relate to me as if I have a privileged righteousness because of my calling. I don’t. I have also been super uneasy when I meet pastors who act has if they have a privileged righteousness because of their calling.
We are all sinners in need of mercy. We are all sinners who desperately need Jesus and desperately need Jesus NOW … so long as it is NOW. And above all things, that is our witness to the world and to one another.
The Holy Spirit has convicted me that keeping to that reality and reminding myself, my family, my community, and the world of that reality is basically my job.
And that is a full-time job. Because every day, every hour, brings a new batch of sins for which there is no solution except a close, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and Him crucified, resurrected, and returning.
Father, You are merciful because we need mercy. You are gracious because we need grace. You are love because we need love. Forgive my sins—even those I am unaware of. And help me to live my life needing Jesus every moment of my life. And let Your peace that transcends all understanding bear witness to Your presence in my life for Your name’s sake, for Your glory. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
