February 20, 2026 WEST

Today's reading takes us on a powerful journey through God's call for authentic leadership and genuine faith. We encounter Jeremiah's sobering words about shepherds who scatter rather than gather God's flock, yet we find tremendous hope in God's promise to raise up shepherds who truly care for His people. The message crescendos in Matthew 23 where Jesus confronts religious hypocrisy with unflinching clarity, reminding us that external appearances mean nothing when our hearts remain unchanged. What strikes deeply is the repeated emphasis on transformation from the inside out—God isn't interested in our polished exteriors if our inner lives are filled with darkness. We're challenged to examine whether we're living authentically or merely performing spirituality. The beautiful promise emerges that Jesus Himself is the righteous branch, the true shepherd who will never fail us even when human leaders disappoint. This isn't about cynicism toward leadership but about anchoring our faith in Christ alone. As we navigate a world where religious scandals seem commonplace, we're invited to return to the simplicity of spending time in God's presence, allowing His Word to clean us from the inside out, and living with integrity whether anyone is watching or not.