31 Days of Devotion, Day 17 by Tammaney Holcombe

Daily Reading: Matthew 22:34-40

As a teacher, I am constantly asking myself how to teach each student better, asking myself which way is better suited for their individual learning. You see, my motive is one of a pure heart; I truly want each student I have to come to an understanding of what it is that we are seeking to learn.
 
In this passage, Jesus answers this lawyer with a pure heart, a heart that serves The Father, a heart posture that is bowed in reverence to His Word! Jesus, God the Son and the ultimate teacher, KNOWS the heart of this particular lawyer and answers his question with a reference befitting him: verse 40…. “On these two commandments depend on all the Law and the Prophets. “. Jesus knew that the Pharisee would know the law, but in referring TO the law, Jesus instructs that this lawyer (and all of us) LOVE GOD FIRST with all that we have and are…. And in doing this, the love we receive from God will spill over into others.  This requires a heart posture of humility, not pride.  I believe that the lawyer’s heart was puffed up with pride and that’s why Jesus referred to The Law in His answer. You see, it’s ALWAYS about our heart’s posture: is it stiffened with pride, upright and haughty? Is it soft, pliable, teachable, bowed low in reverence to God’s authority? How’s your heart’s posture?

Daily Prayer
Gracious God, your word teaches us that we love because you first loved us. It is because of your love that we even know what genuine love is? Help us to posture our heart, soul and might in love for you. Amen.