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Again Jesus is criticized by the religious leaders over the Sabbath. He was criticized for allowing the disciples to harvest grain for food. They also watched Him carefully hoping to accuse Him for healing on the Sabbath. But Jesus quickly pointed out how the beloved King David violated the Law by eating the sacred loaves as well as pointing to the fact that any of them would rescue their sheep if it was in danger, even on the Sabbath.
I've always been in what is considered a "holiness" church. I believe firmly that God calls us to live a holy life and we are to strive to be holy as He is holy. But what I've seen and experienced is the danger of becoming a Pharisee. Just as the Pharisees of Jesus' day were quick to point out who the disciples were breaking the Law, people in my church and myself have been too quick to point out others "mistakes." I hope I never believe I should stop striving to be holy like God is holy, I want to always remember it was by grace I was saved, not by my works before (or after).
There's a lot more in this passage, what is the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart?
Blessings!
The same thing struck me--that the "spirit of religiosity" is a dangerous thing. God gave us His Law, His Word, for US. To help us be righteous. He calls us to be holy and perfect. But when we take those instructions, given out of love, and bash each other over the head with them, we're missing the spirit.
ReplyDeleteI belong to a Sabbath-keeping church, so we've given a lot of thought to spirit vs. letter, to obeying out of love rather than a spirit of religiosity, and to WHY God instructs as He does. One of our favorite things to quote is "God made the Sabbath for man, not man for the Sabbath." That one day a week to rest is meant to be a blessing--it ought NEVER be turned into a way to curse our brethren, like the Pharisees tried to make it.
The emphasis in our church is prayer. Pastor often says, "We are a prayin' church." We pray a lot for each other and the world - for healing and direction.
DeleteIt is so easy to fall into the trap of judging and feeling "holier than thou". I've found that most of this comes from strong opinions about interpretation of right and wrong. If I could just learn to truly surrender ALL, I wouldn't have to worry about these things and I could see everyone as my family.
I've always loved "who is my mother?" verse (I'm on my laptop and can't copy and paste). Jesus refers to his disciples as his brothers. It is very comforting to know that I have many fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers. When I think of other people as family, I tend to have much more compassion.
ReplyDeleteMatthew 12
ReplyDelete35a A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things
Lord, may I always keep my treasures here to overflow onto others and not in things.