Matthew 12:1-8.
Jesus constantly makes those who hear his voice look at their hearts. When his disciples grabbed heads of grain on the Sabbath, the Pharisees (already challenged by Jesus' words and looking to trap him) thought they had something against Jesus.
Wrong.
Jesus points to Old Testament examples that they would know where the letter of law was relaxed but the spirit was upheld. This was the point Jesus was making to them. You keep the letter of the law, but you are far from the God who wrote it.
Jesus said "Something greater than the Sabbath is here...For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
Fast forward to the 21st century and we Christians are guilty of the same sin. We follow our regulations (Read: Steps to Living the Christian Life, etc) so much that the regulations become the rules and we forget the God they are supposed to lead us to.
We have to ask ourselves questions to make sure that we are pursuing God and not an idol.
1. Do I read the scriptures to see who God is and what he tells me to do or to find support for my own ideas? (Proof-texting).
2. Do I pray to communicate with God or to follow a formula to gain his blessing?
3. Do I fast because I feel I am obligated or because I want something from God or to grow closer to him and to see his will?
4. Do I have a desire to see the lost come to Christ so that the kingdom can expand or am I simply me focused and constantly working on my own spirituality?
Remember the Lord of the Sabbath is also the Lord of the Church and the Lord of Our Hearts. If we place anything, even those things deemed Christian, we are guilty of idolatry.
Peace,
Jeff Moody
jeffmoody82@gmail.com
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