October 27
Scripture of the day: "The Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, 'Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?' And He said to them, 'Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: "This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far away from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men." Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.' He was also saying to them, 'You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition.'" Mark 7:5-9
Thought of the day: Some Pharisees and scribes saw the disciples of Jesus eating with hands that were not ceremonially clean. Many of the Jews followed their own manmade laws of cleanliness. They chose to follow their own rules even if that meant disobeying God's laws. Therefore they questioned Jesus about His men's behavior. Jesus strongly criticized the critics ... quoting Isaiah. Jesus told the Pharisees and scribes that following their manmade laws made their worship of God to be vain.
Challenge of the day: "Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men" is very dangerous. God does not want you to prioritize outward obedience over heart obedience. The Pharisees and scribes did. They worshipped their laws rather than God. You may be Protestant, Catholic, or Orthodox. You may be Baptist, Methodist, Charismatic, or Presbyterian. Let me ask you a very direct question. Do you prioritize the rules of your version of Christianity over the Word of God? Whose laws will you follow if you must choose ... man's or God's? And do you know which ones are which? Is your worship in vain ... or is it acceptable to God? When forced to choose, always choose God's way.
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