In the 1964 classic film Mary Poppins, there is a scene when the characters, Mary, a sensible, yet enchanting, English nanny and the two children she looks after, Jane and Michael Banks, see Bert – a long time friend of Mary Poppins. Mary and the children happen upon Bert at a park who is showcasing his chalk art on the sidewalk. The colorful illustrations depict landscapes and settings of imaginary lands which Bert, in his own silly way, brings to life through dances and songs for the children that spark the imagination. I remember watching the scene as a child – of all four of them holding hands and jumping right into one of the drawings and finding themselves immersed in a new world.
In Scripture, there were three groups of people: The Pharisees, Sadducees, and the Scribes. These groups were known for their piety and religious devotion as much as for their wealth and corruption. They believed themselves to be experts of the Torah (The five books of the Hebrew Bible) and devoted all their time studying the law and the Scriptures. What should have been a life immersed in the knowledge and pursuit of God they, in reality, knew nothing of Him and not only kept themselves from knowing and worshiping the true God but prevented others from knowing Him as well.
How does your life compare? Is God and His Word compartmentalized and apart from your everyday life? Is He only a passing thought that quickly enters and then disappears through your mind? Or do you find yourself fully immersed in Him and His Word so much so that you cannot help but share with others the new life and experiences He has given You?
God, I don't want to live a life separate and apart from You. I want to be fully immersed in Your Word and live it out through my actions. Help me see things differently with new eyes and renew my mind.
Luke 11:52 – “Woe to you Torah experts! For you have taken away the key of knowledge! Not only did you yourselves not go in, you also have stopped those who were trying to enter!”
Simple Prayer For Today 