The Pharisees accused the disciples of Jesus of not regarding the traditions of the elders. And what was it? The very fact that they didn't wash their hands before eating. While they were busy accusing his disciples, they also didn't know that they were defaulters as well, making the law of God of no effect by their supposed tradition. The Lord Jesus had to remind them about this as well.
Let's deviate a bit, and paint a picture to help us understand better that which the Lord through his word seeks to explain to us today. Imagine we have two persons who profess to love each other, and say it often that they do love each other. It is expected that beyond their words, it should reflect in their actions, right? Wouldn't you be amazed if the opposite happens? I am certain you will.
Today's message will be focused on that which the Lord Jesus said as a result of this accusation, quoting the prophet Isaiah. It is expedient to know that beyond mere words, and utterances made by people, there's the need to actually draw or come closer to the Lord. The scripture below will be our anchor text for today,
"This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. [9] But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Matthew 15:8,9).
After the Pharisees had accused the disciples of the fact that they were disregarding the traditions of the elders, and Jesus had also told them how by their traditions they made God's command of no effect, he went further to make the statement in the verses of scripture above, quoting the prophet Isaiah.
You see, the Pharisees thought perhaps they were very righteous probably because they kept, and observed the law like the washing of hands they accused the disciples of but little did they know that Jesus knew them even more than they knew themselves. He made them realise however that they were only claiming to know him just by the words they speak but then, their heart was very far from him. In words, they were great, but in deeds, they were lacking; teaching the doctrine of men, and making the law of God insignificant.
What do we have to learn from this? First, to all those who preach, we shouldn't present to people that which the Lord through his word has not instructed, or that which renders the word of God irrelevant to the believer. We shouldn't emphasize on the teachings of men more than we emphasize on the instructions of the Lord.
Second, to all believers, we should let our words resonate with that which we do. We should let the word dwell in our heart richly, we should draw to the Lord with our heart, and should give heed to the instructions of the Lord more than we seek to give attention to the teaching of men. The Lord help us to be doers of that which we have learnt today. Amen.
Thought for the day: We are to draw to the Lord with our heart, and not just with words of mouth; giving heed to his instructions more than we seek to listen to men.
Gospel Today is a comforting, exhorting, edifying and inspiring devotional published by the Delightsome Land Christian Ministry. For questions, enquiries/testimonies, please call/WhatsApp: 08174915361, 08053662272 or Email: [email protected].
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