September 5, 2010  |  Mark 7:9

Read - "And he said to them: You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!"

Examine - Jesus is directly confronting the Pharisees and their legalistic ways and teachings. The Pharisees had setup a legalistic system that helped them to justify their self-righteousness. They were far more concerned about how to wash their hands properly than they were about the uncleanliness of their hearts and lives. They were quick to judge Jesus and His disciples for not observing their ceremonial washing practices and Jesus calls them hypocrites saying, "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!" (Mark 7:9)

Apply - I often find that I am more like the Pharisees than I would like to admit. I'm someone who has training in the Scriptures. I've been to seminary and know theological stuff. The Pharisees were the ones who knew the Scriptures and taught/interpreted them for the people. Yet, those who were to be the "closest" to God were the farthest away and the most blind to Who Jesus was claiming to be. Their relationship with God was reduced to a system of doing things that made them self-righteous. It is such a trap for me, personally, to justify my life and actions by slipping into a routine of "doing the right things" or "going through the motions" and have every appearance that I somehow have it all together. But this verse stopped me in my tracks today and I'm struck by the phrase "you have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God." The commands of God that Jesus is referring to, I believe, are the two central commands to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. There has been a running theme for me through the book of Mark and that is my personal devotion to God. Yet again I am confronted on how I am loving my God and how that love for Him is being demonstrated to others. God has given me this day to live for Him and to represent Him. May this begin for me today in my home.

Pray - Lord, I confess that I quickly forget the simplicity of your desire for me...You desire for me to love You. to express my love for You and to show that same love to others. I want to live in such a way that people see my life and see You. Lord, please let this start in my home with my wife and my daughter and son. May they see You reflected in my life. Lord I need your help. Thank you for this reminder in your Word today. I love you God. In Christ's name I pray, amen.