“Woe unto you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whited sepulchers which, indeed, appear beautiful outwardly, but are within full of dead men’s bones and of all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27).

Sepulchers have within them the bodies of the deceased. Dead, lifeless bodies, in the process of corruption and decay, laying in darkness. That is how our LORD describes those who appear by form and observation to be righteous and holy, but it is all a facade. That is the definition of hypocrisy. Outwardly looking just, honorable, respectful; but inwardly full of deceit, pride, envy, lust and malice. Woe to those whom the LORD exposes in the Light of His Presence.

I think of the Prophet Isaiah’s response to that Presence, that Glory: “Woe is me! I am undone because I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts” (Isaiah 6:5). “Woe is me!” Undone, unclean. I repent! I bow the knee, I surrender to the King, the LORD of Hosts–the Holy One, the Almighty.

Then I think of the response of the Scribes and Pharisees to Christ’s sharp rebuke. “Then assembled together the Chief Priests and the Scribes and the Elders of the people unto the palace of the High Priest, who was called Caiaphas. And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty and kill Him. But they said, not on the Feast Day, lest there be an uproar among the people” (Matthew 26:3-5).

Oh, the contrast in responses! Now, what is my response to the Truth presented to me by the Word of God, the Spirit of Truth. Oh, LORD, may my response be in accordance with your Light, your Glory, your Holiness, Purity, and Righteousness. Lamb of God let your nature be revealed in me in sacrifice, humility, repentance and obedience to Your will. I surrender now, I confess You now, I bow before Your Holiness, in Your Presence and Glory.

Help us LORD in our day when You by the Finger of God cast out the darkness, the demonic, the sin and uncleanness of our old nature of sin, and declare the Kingdom of God is come to us in power (cp. Luke 11:20).

Woe to the rebellious, the wicked, the unbelieving, the arrogant ones who defy the LORD of Glory. Woe to those who come to steal, kill and destroy. Woe to the wolves in sheep clothing; who deceive, seduce, and bring winds of doctrine that tickle the ears, but are only cunning, crafty lies in hypocrisy (cp. Ephesians 4:14).

LORD, expose. LORD reveal. LORD be glorified. Reign in Power, Reign over your Kingdom with the Scepter of Righteousness. Transform unto Yourself a Kingdom of True Prophets, Priests, Scribes and Kings. May Your Name be exulted in all the earth. Maranatha, come, LORD Jesus.

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