Whose Rules?

Mark 7
This passage has been cited by rebels and malcontents for many years! The quote from Isaiah and then the great verse (8) - You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.

While I have a deep respect for tradition and learning from history, I have to admit that I have seen too many times that we have turned tradition into Scripture and ended up neglecting the important things. As I read this passage, it reminds me to revisit what is important when it comes to holiness and righteousness. It reminds me to remember what sets me apart (consecrates me) as a follower of Jesus.

The way I dress and the music I listen to may not be a whole lot different from the world around me, but the way I treat people and what I allow to come out of me should be worlds apart. That's what I need to be checking (see verses 15, 16). Today I will be looking at what is coming out of me - my emotions, my reactions, my actions. Today I will make sure that I am authentic - honest with God, others & myself. I'm not so worried about my diet, but I am worried about my heart.

The next section (vv 24 - 30) might have seemed a bit curious as Jesus seems to call a woman a dog. Well, He did...metaphorically. To a Jew, any non-Jew (Gentile) was less than them, therefore it was not unusual to call them dogs. I think Jesus was quite impressed with the lady and her faith. It reinforces the previous section about what is clean and unclean. Even though the lady was not Jewish, Jesus helped her. Even this was looked down upon in His day, yet He did it.

What's coming out of you? Maybe you ought to have someone else answer that question - your co-workers, your boss, your secretary, your vendors or customers, your spouse. That should be telling about whose rules you are following.

Under the Mercy,
Jason