Questioning Authority (Mt 23:23) by Dr. Rich Reich

16 Dec Questioning Authority (Mt 23:23) by Dr. Rich Reich

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion(FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors

“When Jesus had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things?  And who gave you this authority?’” ~ Mt 23:23 (full readings)

Rich’s Reflections:  In today’s reading, the chief priests and the elders of the people questioned the authority of Jesus.  They inquire with the intention of handcuffing Jesus and preventing Him from exercising further authority.  Such people wish to control their own lives, and do not want interference from Jesus.  As long as the Lord allows things to go as they please, they will allow Him to continue to work in their lives.  When the Lord takes authority in a manner opposed to their will, they start questioning His authority.  In our culture today, many question the authority of Jesus, because they find His ways too difficult to follow (abstinence until marriage, relationships based on love and not lust, the sanctity of marriage, protecting the dignity of all human life).  These things may seem challenging, but the alternatives are worse (single parenting, divorce, abuse, adultery, abortion).  Jesus has a plan for us to share in His love.  He wants us to know true love that is free, total, faithful, and fruitful.
* Dr. Rich Reich is the co-founder of the LIFE Group Devotions and the National LIFE Runners Team.  He is married to Erica and lives in Colorado Springs, CO.  Full bio.

Faith Challenge:  Be open to the ways of the Lord.  Allow Him to have authority over your will.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel..
.
Our Prayers: Pray LIFE Runners Creed to End Abortion.  Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
.
Feast Day:   St. Ado of Vienne

Faith Quote: “We do not segment our lives, giving some time to God, some to our business or schooling, while keeping parts to ourselves. The idea is to live all of our lives in the presence of God, under the authority of God, and for the honor and glory of God. That is what the Christian life is all about.” ~ R.C. Sproul

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22