PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 15:1-11
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” (Matthew 15:6)
The tradition of the elders was the official interpretation of the law.
The scriptures said many things that were debated and disagreed upon.
But the message (Word) of God was clear in regards to the Law of Love.
To love God is to love your neighbour, to honour, serve and respect them.
The religious leaders found creative ways to work around that message.
They honoured the letter of the law, but their hearts (love) was not in it.
They claimed to worship and obey God but it empty religion, not loving service.
Jesus sees through their religion to their hearts and their lack of love.
Their synodical interpretations were nullifying what God’s message was all about.
The test in this is the Word of God, the Law of Love – love God, love people.
Those actively devoted to loving, honouring and serving others fulfill the Word of God.
Not just in words or worship, but in selfless acts of sacrifice, kindness, grace.
Are we so devoted to our tradition (religious interpretation) that we nullify love?
The proof is not in the pronouncements, it is in the practice… are we devoted to love?
PRAYER
Lord, you are the Word of God in the flesh, the embodiment of self-giving love, the fulfillment of the Law. Show me where I nullify the Word of God by my religion, and show me how to fulfill that Word with heart-deep love and service.
Getting to the ‘heart’ of the matter: worshipping God in spirit and in truth – not for show or empty piety – but rather by doing what comes out of a heart that wants to love God and fellow man. Empty piety and loft words as well as rote following of traditions and practices or doing because that is what we think is expected – but not having our heart in it – is like Cain’s offering over Abel’s – it lacked true devotion, submission and a desire to honour God. My heart wants to express my love for God through humble service for Him. Help me to do so Lord I pray!
knowing – loving – doing
These three belong together. You can’t have one without the other when you are true to the Lord and yourself. Words and deeds belong together. They will know we are Christians by our love.
1- We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord.
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord.
And we pray that all unity, may one day be restored.
And they’ll know we are Christians,
By our love, by our love.
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
2- We will walk with each other, will walk hand in hand,
We will walk with each other, will walk hand in hand,
And together we’ll spread the news, that God is in our land
3- We will work with each other, we will work side by side,
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we’ll save each man’s dignity, and guard each man’s pride.
4- All praise to the Father, from whom all things come,
And all praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son
And all praise to the Spirit, that makes us one.