Todays passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2012,%20mark%203,%20luke%206&version=NIV
Today, I’d like us to focus on Luke 6:1-11. In this passage, Jesus was being put under a microscope by the Pharisees, a sect among the Jews who were known for a strict and formal observance of the rituals, traditions and ceremonies of Jewish law. Twice in this passage, they accused Jesus of breaking the laws regarding the observance of the Sabbath: first, because his disciples harvested corn in order that they might eat, and second, because Jesus did the work of healing on the Sabbath.
A much more recent example of this kind of thinking occurred in the early 90’s. Three apartments in an Orthodox neighborhood in Israel burned to the ground while the rabbi tried to decide whether or not to call in the fire department. Apparently, observant Jews are forbidden to use a phone on the Sabbath because doing so would break an electrical current, which is considered a form of work.
Strict observance of ritual and tradition does not allow for mercy and grace. What God desires is mercy, not sacrifice as we see in Hosea 6:6. Kindness and love to others is more important than religious rituals as we see in Isaiah 58. The Pharisees were so stuck on the letter of the law that they were filled with rage and they plotted to kill Jesus. Their hearts were so full of condemnation and judgment that there was no room left for mercy and love. Their focus on the letter of the law caused them to miss the beauty of a miraculous healing! They should have been celebrating the glory of God, but instead they were filled with rage. They missed out on an amazing opportunity for authentic worship!
Take some time to search your heart. Has legalism gotten in the way of love? Have you ever spent your worship time criticizing others? Has your heart ever been filled with judgment toward another who is on a different path in their journey of sanctification? Ask God to help you replace that criticism with his mercy and love. Ask him to fill your heart with compassion.
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
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