(Matthew 15:15-20)
15 Peter said to Him, “Explain the parable to us.” 16 Jesus said, “Are you also still lacking in understanding? 17 Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? 18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and those things defile the person. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, acts of adultery, other immoral sexual acts, thefts, false testimonies, and slanderous statements. 20 These are the things that defile the person; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the person.”
(John 14:6) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me."
TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:
The pharisees had made everything "religious", including handwashing, which was tediously performative and ceremonial. One was supposed to use a specific ceremonial cup designated for ritual cleansing. Some demanded that it had to have two handles. And there was a proper pouring sequence, right hand first, and then the left hand. With the correct amount and the right speed, the water had to cover the hands completely - up to the wrist - although some specified up to the elbows. And then, while holding the leftover water, they were to raise their hands upward while reciting a specific blessing that they had made up, saying "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us concerning the washing of hands."
If only they had made the Lord God (Jesus Christ) their King!!! And if only they had understood God's words and what God really says!!! But what we see with the pharisees is what all cults and religions do - make it about do's and don'ts, In their thinking, they control their lives and determine how they prefer to earn their way up to some higher existence, state or status.
People have challenged me to broaden my horizons, and learn the ways of all the different religions in the world, because otherwise, how would I know which one was the best one, or the right one for me. I tried to explain to them that, while I have had a few college courses and read a few books on worldviews, I don't need to do any of that. Plus, because anyone anywhere can just make up yet another religion or cult, this investigation would be endless, not to mention, totally hopeless and futile!
Even scientifically, there can be only one truth! "A fact is an objective and verifiable observation or measurement. It is a piece of information repeatedly confirmed through testing and experimentation so that the scientific community accepts it as true, though it is always open to re-evaluation if new evidence emerges."
Sound reasoning understands that something either is or it isn't. And it doesn't matter what I believe, I'm not the one who determines truth! Truth is. Like, 1+1=2. Having the freedom to believe whatever I want, I could believe that 1+1=5, but I would be wrong. Today's society would simply argue, "But whatever works for you is your truth, so it is then true for you." Ahhh... sure, but then I would be deceiving and lying to myself, and somewhere down the road, this false belief will betray me.
Regarding the Bible and Christianity, many brilliant people have tried to find any sort of discrepancies or contradictions, but they cannot. And many become believers! Because God's truth is factual. And while His truths are unchanging, they are literally life-changing! In finding, accepting and believing in the Lord Jesus, we not only find Truth, we experience Truth in a very personal relationship with God! And these changes and experiences are our personal evidence which cannot be denied.
It is all about the condition of our heart. The heart being all about relationships. God created us so that He would have someone to love, and He of course desires that we choose to love Him back. Because mankind brought sin into the world, this brought about our sinful nature and death, and separated us from God. Because God loves us that much, He humbled Himself, and came in flesh, to be fully man while still being fully God, so that He could pay our debt to sin, to provide a way - the only way - to Himself!
(John 14:6) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me."
It is up to each individual to want to seek, find and believe in the way, truth and life, but it takes a humble and repentant heart. Of course it does, because we have to admit to ourselves that we are unable to work our way to heaven! It is a free gift from God that we have to choose to accept. And when we do, the Lord forgives all our sin, covers us with His righteousness, and gives us His indwelling Holy Spirit who changes us from the inside out. Then, as we ask and allow, still with humble hearts, He will help us say and do good deeds done with pure motives, in His love, strength and wisdom!
This is so logical. Just think about the other relationships in our lives. Whenever we become arrogant towards others, does this help us build and improve those relationships? No. Then consider all the ways that the Lord Jesus humbled Himself for us... as our example to follow. And not just to try to follow Him in our strength, He wants to do it all for us and with us!
No comments:
Post a Comment