Psalm 111, Deuteronomy 11:26-12:12, Matthew 12:22-37 - Lectionary for 10/13/11

Today's readings are Psalm 111, Deuteronomy 11:26-12:12, and Matthew 12:22-37.

I think sometimes we look at life too closely. Of course, sometimes we are not careful enough. But today I'm reminded of times we're tempted to be overly careful. When God brought his people into their promise there was no contest for spirituality. There was no question of how well his people were keeping the covenant. The grim truth of it is that everyone failed to keep covenant. Nobody deserves to be maintained in God's covenant. But the Lord graciously brought his people into the promised land because he had set his favor on them.

Does this mean that our obedience is irrelevant? Not at all. Let the good tree be good and let it bring forth good fruit. Not every blossom grows to good and mature fruit. But God's people are pictured as his fruitful tree. May God grant us to bear much fruit of Christlike behaviors and attitudes, that we may be a blessing to those around us.