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Sunday, May 31, 2009
Looking Beyond the Letter
Jesus said to them, "You have read what David did when he and
the people with him were hungry. David went into God's house.
David and the people with him ate the bread that was offered
to God. It was against the law for David or the people with
him to eat that bread. Only the priests were allowed to eat
it. And you have read in the law {of Moses} that on every
Sabbath day the priests at the temple break the law about the
Sabbath day. But the priests are not wrong for doing that. I
tell you that there is something here that is greater than
the temple."
-- Matthew 12:3-6 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
Jesus emphasizes that we must look beyond the letter of the Law. While
technically violating the Sabbath by eating the holy bread, David and
his companions are not condemned because of God's plan to use David.
While technically violating the Sabbath prohibition against work, the
priests serving in the Temple are not violating the Law because they
are doing what they are called to do to bless God's Temple. We must
look beyond the letter of the Law and listen for the heart of God in
the Law. Jesus is greater than David and greater than the Temple. For
him, the work of God must continue every day, especially on Sabbath
days, because that is the will of God beyond the Law of God.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Lord God Almighty, thank you for giving me Scripture to read about your
work and relationship with your people of Israel. Please help me to
find your will in Scripture and not just a set of rules. But Father,
more than just knowing what you desire of me, please help me to do it.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
>> NEW: Phil's What Jesus Did devotional is now
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>> The WJD! web page has related scriptures and the
>> full text of today's key passage. Read it at:
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/matthew/0531-wjd.html
>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Matthew+12:3-6&sr=1&t=erv
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