Matthew 21 Journal

Proverbs of the day, 21:13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. In Matthew 21 we see how Jesus responds to the money changers who were robbing people. Have you recently had an experience with helping the poor? What was the result? I love doing Habitat for Humanity. I remember my relationship with God being the strongest when I was driving to help a poor person build a home. When I give of my time to help those who are less fortunate than me, I’ve experienced God blessing me with ideas that lead to more success.

Matthew 21:15 is what stood out the most to me today. I’m assuming the reason why they were upset with Jesus, for receiving the praise from the people, was because they were jealous. I’ve noticed in my life that jealousy often leads to anger. What makes me jealous? Usually it’s areas where I desire to receive honor and place a high degree of value : My work (If someone seems more successful than me), my family (if I perceive they love someone more than me). Have you ever gotten jealous of someone else’s relationship with God? Maybe you read the bible and thought “God blesses Moses by allowing him to part the Red Sea, but I can’t even part my hair right today? (LOL) On a more serious note, we can tell what we worship by what makes us angry and jealous. David killed Goliath because Goliath made David angry by mocking his God.

My prayer today : God reveal what is making me angry and jealous. Help me to shift it from unrighteous anger (like the teachers of the law) to righteous anger (like David).

Bonus Proverbs 21:21 Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.