David Jeremiah Daily Devotional October 22 2022
THEME: Life…in the Words of Jesus: Be Reconciled
SCRIPTURE: -Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you…. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
King Saul was told to eliminate the Amalekites, but he spared the best of their flocks to offer as sacrifices to God. When the prophet Samuel confronted the king about his failure to obey God, he summarized by saying that God values obedience more than sacrifice (worship) (1 Samuel 15:22).
Jesus created a hypothetical illustration to make the same point: If you are on your way to worship God and remember you are estranged from your brother, first go and be reconciled to your brother—and then go and worship. Jesus gave that illustrative admonition in a discussion about anger (Matthew 5:21-26), and His point was the same as Samuel’s: God does not desire worship from disobedient or angry worshipers. Sometimes reconciliation is refused. What then? Paul said not to let the lack of reconciliation be your fault (Romans 12:18). First, make the effort; then, go to church.
God sees the heart. Make sure your heart is pure before Him and before others when offering your service and sacrifice to Him.
Credit for David Jeremiah daily devotional October 22 2022 : Turning Point Ministry/ davidjeremiah.org