Luke 16:15 – “And He said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.”
As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, something stirred in me and made me think. Numbers 5 tells an unusual story about jealousy and infidelity. I think it is unfortunate that we focus on the natural and some on the seeming inequality in the story. The woman, not a man, is being examined and judged. Some cannot get past the natural and even wonder about the magic potion used. That is to miss the message.
I see a treatise focusing on the power of words and covenant oaths or commitments. This woman was asked to say certain things and then swear to their truthfulness. The priest pronounced a curse for lying. Break the oath (commitment) of the Covenant (marriage in this case), and the curses immediately become realities.
The power of words is seen in the Aaronic Blessing of Numbers 6:22-27. In Luke 16, the central message is faithfulness in responsibility and the importance of accountability. An interesting statement appears in verse 15: “God knows your heart.” Self-justification flows out of self-deception. It does not impress God.
Each of us has been offered salvation and full deliverance in Jesus. Our problem is that too often we follow the mentality of the Pharisee of Luke 18, “Thank God, I’m not like THEM.” Our only legitimate comparison is Jesus, and none of us measure up.
The bottom line is choice. With Blessing comes responsibility and accountability. Self-justification blinds us to the truth and binds us to our bondage. Honesty shines a light on us and exposes every blemish.
Stop saying, “I took a step back, but overall, I am making progress.” Yet, you keep going back to the bondage. Why? You reason: it owns you; another: you like its company. Everything in life is rooted in choice! If I continually revert to a bondage lifestyle, it is because I have rejected the victory Jesus offers and prefer to wallow in my mud hole of misery. That is harsh, but it is reality.
“Whom the Son set free is FREE indeed.” (John 8:36). No ambiguity there. No one steps forward and two back there. No fallacious belief that I am getting better my way. It is simply to give it to Jesus in total surrender, and He breaks the bondage. It is choice, accountability, responsibility, and persistence.
Today, if there is any area of bondage in your life, place it on the altar to Jesus. Do not justify it. Do not excuse it. Do not ignore it. Do not compare it to others. Admit it, confess it, repent of it, and receive your full deliverance! Then, with perseverance and accountability, replace the bondage with God’s precepts and promises. Is that difficult? Usually, YES! But we are not doing this alone. But it begins with our choice!
Father, You know our hearts, and we ask that You create clean hearts in us.
