March 21, 2025 Morning Devotional (Copy)

Morning Devotion: Read Luke - Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees

Luke 12:1  In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2  For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. 3  Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

When one reads the scriptures one must realize that the chapters were not originally added to them. When we read this portion in the book of Luke we find that it dovetails along with what we have been reading for the last two days. The subject is still the same. Both the lawyers and the Pharisees were hypocritical.

The word hypocrite is pictured by the theatrical masks you see in the movies theatres. The masks are two with one smiling and one frowning. It means the an actor plays one part while being another.

Years ago in the West it was called a “forked tongue” when one would make a promise and then neglect to keep it.

The context of the scriptures we read today give us warning and cautions us to beware of such portrayals.

The Lord Jesus describes such as leaven. Leaven is like the yeast in baked goods, a little yeast/leaven expands into a great mass warmth sweetness is applied.

James 3:10  Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11  Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12  Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

Wisdom from Above 13  Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

Remember the Lord sees and hears the words which we speak and the actions of which take for he said in our text that it will all be revealed.

Luke 12:2  For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. 3  Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

And, as the Lord said so it is. We see the leaven of the Pharisees when they took and crucified the Lord Jesus all in hypocrisy. It is recorded for all to see.

We also know that in the great judgment all these such things will be revealed as well.

How will you stand up when it comes to such scrutiny?

Remember, the words which we speak have great impact for once they are released they cannot be taken back. The only thing left, once the words and actions are released is to seek forgiveness both from the offended and God.

Psalm 19:14  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Proverbs 25:11  A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Today, let your words be truthful and sweet in honesty, and love, and grace to the hearer.

Let the Lord be the one who controls your actions and speech.

2Corinthians 5:14  For the love of Christ constraineth us;

The choice is still yours,

Pastor Cook