Dishonest Scales

The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight. (Pro 11:1)

This is one of those verses that seem so foreign to us culturally. In Biblical times, every merchant would have a scale and a set of weights for measuring the goods exchanged. A dishonest merchant would keep two sets of weights – lighter ones for weighing his product and heavier ones for weighing your payment. This must have been a common scam because it is condemned many times in the Bible. In our day, everything comes prepackaged at the store and we pay whatever is rung up on the cash register. So in one sense this verse no longer seems to apply to us. But the sins of dishonesty and selfishness are still with us.

As I reflect on how this verse may yet apply to my life, I realize that I do indeed keep two sets of weights. With one I weigh what others do for me and with the other I weigh what I do for others. Like the dishonest merchant, I overvalue what I do to serve others and undervalue what others do to serve me. I am quick to be put out when others ask for my help and slow to show gratitude for the help I receive. Lord, forgive me for my selfishness, which I compound by my dishonesty and ingratitude. By your Incarnation and your death on the cross you gave us the supreme example of servanthood. Convict me when I fail to follow in your footsteps. Amen.

What Makes Jesus Angry?

He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. (Mk 3:5)

Jesus was angry with the Pharisees because they condemned him for healing a man on the Sabbath. I’ve read this story of the man with the shriveled hand many times, but I don’t ever recall noticing that Jesus got angry. In fact, I can’t think of anywhere else that we are told Jesus was angry, although we might infer it at times. Certainly he drove the money changers out of the temple and called the Pharisees hypocrites. So what makes Jesus angry? Things like hypocrisy, lack of compassion and greed. Notably absent is any sense that he got angry at his accusers, his torturers or his executioners. He was willing to suffer, but he was not willing to allow others to suffer or be misled. His concern was always for others and not himself. Lord Jesus, help me to have the same selfless attitude that you displayed in your life here on earth.