Reading With the People of God #11 BlessedSample

Focus of the month: (The Beatitudes)

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

- Matthew 5:3-12

Superficial Worship and Spiritual Decay

Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, reigns over Judah, but his leadership is marked by corruption. The people turn to idolatry, and even sacred spaces are defiled with pagan practices. Though the temple still stands in Jerusalem, their worship has become hollow, blending true faith with false gods. As a result, Judah faces judgment—Egypt plunders the temple, and Rehoboam replaces the stolen gold shields with bronze, a cheap imitation of former glory.

This passage is a sobering reminder that outward appearances mean little if the heart is far from God. Judah still had a temple, but their devotion was compromised. Rehoboam’s reign shows how quickly spiritual decline happens when worship becomes superficial.

True Devotion in Secret

In contrast, Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:16-18 that true devotion is not about outward appearances but about the heart. He warns against fasting for show, reminding His followers that God sees what is done in secret. True worship is not about impressing others—it is about seeking God sincerely.

Rehoboam’s kingdom kept religious rituals but lacked true devotion. Jesus calls us to something deeper—faith that is not for display but is rooted in an authentic relationship with God.

Reflection & Application

Outward religion without inward devotion leads to spiritual decay. Is your worship driven by appearances, or is it a sincere pursuit of God? How can you cultivate a heart that seeks Him in secret?

Prayer:
Lord, guard my heart from empty religion. Let my worship be sincere, my devotion real, and my pursuit of You unhindered by the need for human approval. May I seek You in secret, knowing that You see and reward what is done in faith. Amen.