Need to Get Away?

N.T.#180 "Need to Get Away?"

Nov. 6, 2023 

Matthew 15-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

Ministering to needs of others can result in us growing weary. We can use a get away from the presures and stress in our life. Jesus did just that. Read on to find out about it.

Jesus taught plain and simple Words so His disciples, us, and even the Pharisees could understand. 

But the words you speak come from the heart-that's what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you. (verses 18-19)

Defile means pollute, unclean.

Even the filth of the sewer is not so great a defilement as that of a human heart not yet cleansed by the blood of Christ. (Swindoll)

Are we with Jesus and the disciples, willing to take a stand against legalistic action taken for the sake of man-made rules? There will be a price to pay for taking a stand against legalism, but the reward will ultimately be worth it. If we are on the difficult, narrow path of discipleship, continue to follow Jesus. Don't be frightened or intimidated. (If you are part of the problem of unhealthy traditionalism, repent. Turn to trust the only One who can clean you from the inside out.

LET IT GROW

Jesus left the area and headed northwest. Maybe He was retiring to that region for a time of seclusion. Mark 7:24 tells us Jesus entered a house and would have no one know it, but He could not be hid. He deserved a rest after the encounters Jesus experienced in Jerusalem.

He encountered a Canaanite woman begging for mercy for her daughter which was grievously vexed with a devil. (verse 22) A Gentile and a woman approached a Jew, which was not to be done. (according to the Pharisees)

Sometimes we need to get away from the daily pressures on us. Yet, we can continue to meet needs of others while refreshing our soul.

LET IT GO 

Refresh us, Jesus. Life can cause us to grow weary.

Renew our heart and mind.