Saturday, February 24, 2018

February 24: Of God’s Commands and Human Traditions



Leviticus 15:1-16:28

Mark 7:1-23

Psalm 40:11-17

Proverbs 10:13-14


Mark 7:8. "You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions."


Mark 7:20-23: He went on: "What comes out of a person is what defiles them.  For it is from within, out of a person's heart, that evil thoughts come - sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.  All these evils come from inside and defile a person."


It's frightening to think how this is so much more true today, how these have become our human traditions.  Think about what society permits, even encourages on a daily basis: abortion, marital infidelity, the abandonment of families and children.  To find lewdness one only has to turn the tv on to any number of reality TV shows,.  You want folly?  We think children who've experienced something traumatic are competent to dictate policy about the traumatic event.  You want arrogance?  Some of the kids think they are competent to do just that.  


After the recent tragedy in Florida, many have decried how messed up society seems today.  Is it any wonder?  We have let go of the commands of God.  Even worse - we've rejected the idea of God.  We've not only thrown away the operating manual, we've refused the help of the manufacturer.  


Like most of you reading this, I look back at the tragedy in Florida and think "I want answers.  I want solutions."  Thankfully we know "thoughts and prayers" are not useless.  We know, as the psalmist did, that we can cry out to God when "troubles without number surround me"; when our "sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see" resolution.  Thankfully we can say to God "You are my help and my deliverer; You are my God, do not delay".


It's been 10 days since the events in Broward County.  Father, we need Your help to be able to take hold of Your commands once more.  You are our God.  Hear our prayer - do not delay.

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