-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / WHAT JESUS DID! --
http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Twisting the Most Basic Truths
Then Jesus said to them: "You think you are smart! You ignore
the commands of God so that you can follow your own
teachings! Moses said, 'You must honor (respect) your father
and mother.' Then Moses also said, 'Any person that says bad
things to his father or mother must be killed.' But you teach
that a person can say to his father or mother, 'I have
something I could use to help you. But I will not use it to
help you. I will give it to God.' You are telling that person
that he does not have to do anything for his father or
mother. So you are teaching that it is not important to do
what God said. You think that it is more important to follow
those rules you teach people. And you do many things like
that."
-- Mark 7:9-13 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
Jesus cites an example of the teachers' and Pharisees' hypocrisy of the
law in these verses. In this case, the hypocrisy was finding a
legalistic rationale to withhold support from parents, thus disobeying
one of the Ten Commandments. The brazenness of such rationalization of
one of the ten bedrock truths of their existence just proves how deeply
the practice of this kind of hypocrisy can become. Legalistic hypocrisy
abounds in all sorts of religious groups and religious experience.
Let's obey, not rationalize. Let's respond graciously to God's grace
and not seek to work our way out of our responsibilities to each other
and to him.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
O God, thank you for such clear examples of legalistic hypocrisy. I
hate that Jesus had to see this in his day, but it helps me see what I
need to avoid and what your heart hates. Purify my heart and keep a
right attitude in me through your Holy Spirit. In Jesus name. Amen.
>> NEW: Phil's What Jesus Did devotional is now
>> available as a book. Click below to order!
http://images.ultracart.com/aff/ACU9/1414/108/185/575/0/index.html
>> The WJD! web page has related scriptures and the
>> full text of today's key passage. Read it at:
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/mark/0427-wjd.html
>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Mark+7:9-13&sr=1&t=erv
/--- $5 PER MONTH BLESSES 2,000 PEOPLE ---------------------\
Just five bucks means 2,000 email devotionals can be sent
to believers around the world. Help get the Word out!
\--------------------- http://www.heartlight.org/support ---/
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
HOUSE, by Frank Peretti & Ted Dekker
Best-selling authors Peretti and Dekker join forces for an
adrenaline-laced thriller!
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?252
Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!
WHAT JESUS DID! from HEARTLIGHT /\/\
===============================================================\ /===
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd
\/
This devotional is made possible by YOUR donations! If you've found
our emails encouraging or inspiring, we pray you'll give a voluntary
donation to keep this ministry going. Donations are NOT required,
but they are appreciated!
http://www.heartlight.org/support
What Jesus Did! is a 365-day devotional through the book of Luke.
It is written by Phil Ware <phil@heartlight.org> and is part of
HEARTLIGHT Magazine, the leading Christian living e-zine on the
Web. Visit HEARTLIGHT on the web for even more articles, plus
music, devotionals and more for your Christian walk!
HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?
It's FREE! To subscribe send a blank email to:
join-wjd@maillists.heartlight.org
HOW DO I LEAVE?
Send a blank email to the unsubscribe address:
wjd-unsubscribe@maillists.heartlight.org
STILL HAVING TROUBLE?
If our automated unsubscribe system isn't working for you,
send an email to mailmaster@heartlight.org and let us know
what list you would like to leave. We'll take care of you.
OTHER QUESTIONS?
Find answers to your frequently asked questions:
http://www.heartlight.org/help/faq/wjd.html
======================================================================
