The Stumbling Block
Tuesday, August 5
Matthew 18:6-11 (NKJV)
““But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! “If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire. “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.”
Devoción
If we want to take a peek at the devil’s playbook, Jesus reveals a major play in Satan’s hand through this passage. The word ‘offense’ means ‘a snare’ or ‘a trap’. It is a bait set by the enemy himself. Sin puts the person and the people they influence in bondage. On one hand, it can cause others to follow suit in imitating the sin. On the other hand, even if the sin isn’t replicated, those who hear of it are tempted to pass judgment, criticize, fall into unforgiveness, and develop a root of bitterness by which many are defiled. The Lord is stern here in explaining the brevity of sin’s influence, in that it takes others down with it like a fall of dominos. Sin is absolutely selfish. Can we see the devil’s game plan behind it all?
But Jesus always has a plan that fumbles the devil’s strategies. First, we know that by His death on the cross, Jesus spoiled principalities and powers (the devil’s power and authority), and made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:15) We are no longer slaves to sin by the blood of Jesus Christ. If we continue in sin, it has now become a choice. Jesus made an interesting analogy in this passage regarding the severity of fleeing from sin and comparing it to the removal of the body part that caused the sin. This is a strong metaphorical message to ‘cut it off’ or remove the action that causes oneself and others to stumble. That’s exactly what offense is – a stumbling block.
We are encouraged in Hebrews 12:12-15 (NLT), “So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up and troubles you, corrupting many.”
Remember, we must finish the race, run the winning plan – “They have conquered him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelations 12:11, BSB)
Oración de hoy
Querido Padre Celestial,
Thank You for exposing the enemy’s schemes and giving me victory through the cross. Help me to recognize every snare of offense and cut off anything in my life that leads me or others into sin. Give me the courage to walk in holiness, the humility to forgive, and the strength to live at peace with others. May my life point others to You, not cause them to stumble. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Aplíquelo hoy mismo
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas in your life where you may be a stumbling block to others, whether through words, actions, or attitudes. Take practical steps to “cut off” these behaviors and, where needed, seek reconciliation or forgiveness. Additionally, be intentional this week about encouraging someone who may be struggling in their faith so they don’t fall into offense or bitterness.
Recursos
- Watch this message, “Turn Up The Fire”, and stand guard against the enemy’s schemes.
- Spend time in prayer using Psalm 139:23-24 (“Search me, O God…”) as a guide for self-examination.