March 22

Matthew 26: 1-5
Premeditation is a word we hear often on tv shows, specifically in
relation to criminal acts that were not spur of the moment. Such crimes
usually bear a harsher penalty as there is no defense that lets them claim
it was “an accident” or some other excuse. It’s painful to acknowledge
that the Jewish leaders of the day were so afraid of Jesus and what He
was teaching that they devised a plan to murder the Son of God. Such
was their unbelief and rage against Him that they convinced themselves
it had to be done. Then, as they feared backlash, they made sure to plan
it in a way as not to stir up the crowds. Darkness had so invaded their
hearts that they made plans in secret to hide what they intended, so that
they could still appear as good, righteous leaders.

It would be easy for us to look upon them with judgement for what they
did, and rightly so. But let us also look at our own attitudes and ask the
Lord if there are areas where our rage against things around us is
darkening our hearts to the will of God? We may be bothered by things
that are truly evil, and we should be. We must not let that which is so
evil, take over our thoughts, that we cannot find a way to live in the
beauty and glory of Christ’s way of life. We can stand against sin and
live as servants at the same time. Jesus did.

In your prayer time today, ask the Lord to reveal to you how you can
stand against the injustice around you with a pure heart. He may bring
some radical steps to mind. Obey His leading, stand tall under His
protection, and commit to honoring Him over the praise of man.