Rev. Ray and Pat Amos

Matthew 5:20

DEVOTION FOR TODAY, July 3, 2019

“FREEDOM IN THE DEPTH AND JOY OF CHRIST”

Jesus said, “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20

Jesus was not teaching His disciples that a person is saved by doing more than others; they were already called “His disciples.” He was teaching that spiritual laziness and just doing enough to get by will keep a person from experiencing the depth of joy and meaning that we can find in serving Christ.

“SURPASSING RIGHTEOUSNESS” This is a life that cannot be corralled by the rules and regulations of religion. There is a difference in doing something for Christ because I am bound to do it, and because I am free to do it. A Christian who says, “I love you” because the law demands it does not really love. Surpassing Righteousness happens when Love kicks down our fences and sets us free in the fields of God.

Many of us pray at Holy Communion, “FREE US FOR JOYFUL OBEDIENCE.” Make us free us to serve you Lord.

Tomorrow is Independence Day, and even though the red, white and blue waves freely in the wind; and in spite of the fact that people are free in this nation to live and let live; many are refusing to be free in heart. We are bound by bitterness, unforgiving spirits, greed and the constant thirst for more. We pray to be happy on our terms; and for God to bless us while we mock His Word.

“Surpassing Righteousness” is life in the Kingdom where rules and laws are transformed into the joy of our heart. There is a difference in the child who cleans his/her room because they are forced to, and the one who does it because they want to love and please their parents. There is a difference in the child of God who does as little as possible to stay within the rules of religion, and the children who live clean and good lives because they truly Love God. We are free to go out into the sunlight so why not take our heart with us?

Grace and Peace, Rev Ray

“Link to YouTube Video – Freely, Freely with Lyrics by Maranatha”