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A Pharisee’s
Delight, a Pastor’s Delight, and Jesus’ Delight - by Joanne Coons A Pharisee’s delight was not in Christ, the Son of the living God. Their delight was in the Law, their temple, their money, and themselves. They wanted their ritualistic traditions and laws, even to the extent of despising and murdering God’s only Son. They loved to have the preeminence over God’s people, ruling them with fear. Among the Pharisees, having a loving relationship with God was rare. They loved the traditions of the elders but loving God was despised. Though highly educated in all their do’s and don’ts, they missed the coming of the redeemer altogether, Christ the Savior of the world. The Pharisee’s delight was just the opposite of what Christ stood for; forgiveness and redemption from sins. A Pharisee’s Job Description consisted of a group of people who (1) loved the uppermost rooms at feasts, (2) loved the chief seats in the Synagogues and (3) wanted all of their works to be seen of men. They wanted to be called ‘master’ thereby rejecting Christ from being their ‘master‘. They were filled with spiritual pride, desiring all to call them Rabbi, Rabbi or master, master. But to those who desired to be the greatest, Christ said in Matthew 23:10-11, Who shall be the greatest among you? .... Let him be your teacher? No! Let him be your Lord? No! But Your Servant! The Pharisee’s love of their life consisted of their traditions and simply put, themselves! The Pastor’s delight. Are you a Pastor’s delight? This phrase is so sad since the gift of pastoring (verb) has been reduced to a position or simply a job title in today’s world. It is thought of as a salaried position, with a w-2 form to fill out at the end of the year! Sadly, this crucial gifting to the church is being viewed as just a job to perform. Where is the burdened soul who leads by example, pure and holy and wanting no filthy lucre? A spirit filled man or woman who loves God supremely. A servant to humanity. God ordained us servants lending helping hands to those in need. I, for one, would rather be like the Christians of Berea who truly wanted to know for themselves the truth of God’s Word. They were willing to examine it, making sure they were not duped or misguided. Not a mindless robot programmed on how to dress or to live, but a living, loving, obedient example of God’s word. I’d rather have a heart that say’s “Yes, Lord this is true.” I would much rather study to show myself approved of God. I’m not ashamed to say Christ is my everything: my service, my love, my loyalty. My devotion is due him. Furthermore, God forbid I not give him my all! This is Jesus’ delight: The one who has given Him all! Their service, love, loyalty and devotion, with no middle man in-between! Not the Law loving Pharisee or the pastor’s delight who does just as their told, with no questions asked. But Christ desires a living, obedient sacrifice. That is Jesus’ delight! |
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