At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’” Luke 13:31,32

The Pharisees thought they could keep Jesus out of Jerusalem. They tried everything. They even posed veiled threats. None of these could deter Jesus from going to Jerusalem. Now they thought they had the solution. They told Jesus, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” They concluded Jesus would value self-preservation over preaching. They were wrong. They tried to fool Jesus, but as God he saw through their cleverly devised scheme.

You can’t fool God. The Pharisees learned that the hard way. I need to learn the same lesson. I think because no one can see my misdeeds, neither can God. I assume because I can hide my thoughts from people, I can do the same with God. I believe because I can mask my self-centered ways with good intentions, God will be pleased with me. But can I fool God the Father? Can I deceive Jesus his Son? Can I sneak something past the Spirit? Absolutely not!

In humility I must confess my foolish ways. In horror I must deal with the consequences of my total depravity. I need to acknowledge my sin and confess it to the Lord. I must flee from the deceitfulness of my flesh and flee to the mercy of the cross. There I will find the pardon and forgiveness I need. I will also receive a cleansed heart and a renewed spirit to restore me to serve the Lord in truth and love.

I pray that I would never deceive myself into thinking I can fool my God and Savior. I also pray that he would strengthen me by his Truth to live in that Truth before him and before all people.

Prayer
O gracious Savior, have mercy on me. Purify my sin-stained heart that I may serve you in love and truth. Drive out deceitfulness and deception from my life. Lead me to live to the glory of your blessed name. Amen!