Thursday - The Critics Heart

Luke 5:21-26 — “And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.”

There were two responses to Jesus‘ miracles. He had forgiven a man his sins, proven His authority by healing his palsy, and even read the minds of the religious leaders. Many saw these miraculous acts and were amazed, and they left glorifying God because of the strange things they had seen. God got the glory.

The other response was critical, though. Jesus had done a wonderful thing, and many rejoiced. But the religious leaders had a critical heart. They did not see these acts as wonderful or amazing. They saw them as a threat. They would go on being a stumbling block to Jesus and His ministry, ultimately being the very force that would lead to His crucifixion.

Today, we are given a choice to respond. You can come to church with a critical heart just trying to find issues. You can be critical of others, of itinerary, of pastors, of music, or anything under the sun.

The other response is one of amazement, wonder, awe, and love for our God. We have nothing to offer, but all that we have we can give to the Lord with a heart that is pure and honest…not critical.

Which are you?