For Tuesday, January 23, 2023:
Matthew 6:5 NLT, Jesus speaking: “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.”
Picture this in your mind’s eye: Someone walking along, when suddenly they stop at the corner and shout out, “Praise God!” They then look around to assess the size or their audience, the more the better! Jesus’ point is that they’re not really praying or praising. It seems they’re just putting on a show for others to see!
Hypocrite is the perfect word to describe the situation. In Greek, it also describes an actor, someone pretending to be something that they are not. Jesus tells us to go to our room, our special place, shut the door and have a private conversation with our Father in heaven. Those who pray this way will be rewarded by God. Since he sees everything, he doesn’t need you to create a scene on the street!
In a private room we can impress no one except God!
Pastor Norton Lawellin
Jesus in the City Fellowship
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