March 6, 2025 Morning Devotional

Morning Devotion: Read Luke - The Parable of the Good Samaritan

Luke10:25  And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26  He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? 27  And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. 28  And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. 29  But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? 30  And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31  And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32  And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 33  But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34  And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35  And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. 36  Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? 37  And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Isn’t that the way of most people; they are willing to justify themselves before God rather than humble themselves before God.

Religion does just that, the liturgical, solemn, sacramental acts and functions performed make a person feel as if they are justified before God; when in fact it is an abomination to God.

Luke 16:15  And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Job 9:20  If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.

This lawyer, in our text was willing, yes, “willing” to justify himself.

The mind, the WILL and the emotions are that part which govern men. If that man or woman’s mind, will and emotion is against God, they will, willingly justify themselves before others and before God. They will embellish themselves and their works before men and God in an effort to justify themselves (make themselves look good).

I was speaking with a person two days ago, and asked about their salvation and they responded with “I am catholic.” They were justifying themselves with religion.

Matthew 7:21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

It really comes down to the will of the Father and the will of ones self. For those who are willing to justify themselves before God will always fall short because God knows the heart. God can see the inner core of man’s will. He knows what is deep down in the heart.

Jesus knows you intrinsically. John 2:25  And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

You can fool others into thinking you're justified, you may even fool yourself into thinking you're justified, but you can never fool God.

By the way, what is the will of the Father?

John 6:40  And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (Jesus said the will of the Father is that you trust Jesus.)

2Peter 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

My friend, don’t be willingly ignorant, humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and He will lift you up. Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ to save you.

The choice is still yours,

Pastor Cook