Judges 9-10
At the end of chapter 10, God had become weary of saving Israel, only to have them turn away from Him again and again, so when they pleaded for His help this time He said, “I will save you no more.” (vs 13) But the people repented anyway, before God did or even promised anything on their behalf. Vs 16 says, “So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the LORD, and He became impatient over the misery of Israel.” A repentant heart and a broken and contrite spirit, God does not refuse.
Luke 14:1-24
It is good to love your own – your family, your friends, those who love you in return. But this isn’t necessarily a demonstration of Godliness, as even the wicked do this. True Godliness is demonstrated, and treasures are stored up in heaven, when we love those outside ourselves – the needy, the neglected, the destitute, the ostracized, and those who don’t like us.
The Pharisees would of course willingly help their own child or animal if a need arose on the Sabbath. But they not only were unwilling to help others on the Sabbath, but pointed judgmental fingers at anyone who did, calling them law breakers. Jesus pointed out their hypocrisy and then told them in many ways that those such as they who live for their reward here and now will receive none in the hereafter (a message He gives many times throughout HIs ministry). Where your heart is, there will your treasure be. God give me a heart for you!!