June 25
Mark 7:1-13
This is the second time in Mark that Jesus has to explain to the Pharisees that man made traditions do not make someone close to God. The first time was in Mark 2:18-22. This time it seems like Jesus gets angry. He Says, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, these people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” (Mark 7:6 NLT) Isaiah was prophesizing about what I like to call pseudo-Christians. These are the people who go to church every Sunday, have the little fish sticker on their car, may even be able to quote some scripture, but they don’t have a real relationship with God. Doing the motions is not enough. That’s not to say that doing those things is not important, because it is! But our focus needs to be our relationship with God. I feel like I have said that sentence a lot lately…….maybe God’s trying to tell us something….
Principle: True religion upholds God’s truth, not man’s tradition.
Application:
1. Do I know God’s word well enough to separate tradition from truth?
2. How do I use God’s Law to excuse my selfish desires?
3. Where am I over-zealous for the outward appearance or tradition but neglectful of the spirit of truth it represents?
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Question #1 makes me think of when we watch the History channel or a Christian themed movie. Do I know what is being presented as truth or is it a director’s rendition with the “Hollywood” dramatics added in order to keep us watching? I have often heard from teenage nieces and nephews that something is fact, and when asked to show it to us in Scripture, their response is that they have learned it on TV. I think we have to be very careful and know God’s word well enough to be able to separate fact from fiction in the TV and movie media. The title may sound wonderful and safe, but is it true? Are we falling right into vs. 13, nullifying the word of God by tradition? Hum…
ReplyDeleteTo me these verses aren't just about choosing tradition over truth or twisting God's Word, but for me these verese represent a simpler flaw: choosing my (man's) way instead of God's. I can shake my head and answer "no" if I'm asked if I confuse or twist, but I cannot say that I always choose God's way instead of mine. Essentially, that's what the boys in our story had been doing and apparently were still doing, but I don't want to be like them. Jesus, search me and know me, and if there is an offensive way in me, reveal it and cause me to choose you. I want you.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 3 reminds me of the song "Going through the motions" I can't remember the artist. But how many times have I gone to church, Bible study or other chruch fuctions with the wrong attitude. I was going because I felt that it was my duty instead of going to worship or praise with all my heart. I pray that all my actions for Christ are with an open heart and purpose to bring glory to Him, not myself.
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