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Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Lord!
"The Son of Man is Lord (ruler) over the Sabbath day."
-- Matthew 12:8 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
There was no more important symbol or source of identity for the Jewish
people than the Sabbath. Rules, laws, traditions, and respect grew up
around the original Law and encrusted it with layers of a combination
of inconsequential, restrictive, and harmful traditions. So when Jesus
takes on his opponents over the issue of the Sabbath, we shouldn't be
surprised by their bitter opposition and hostile criticism. As Jewish
self-identity became fused to the Sabbath, the traditions and
attachments to it became more important for the religious aristocracy
than the people who celebrated Sabbath or even than the reasons God
provided a rest for his people and demanded that the Sabbath be
honored. Like a bolt of thunder, Jesus' simple words, "The Son of Man
is Lord of the Sabbath," would have raised their confrontation and
hatred of him to a fevered pitch. He drove them to the point of
decision. He left them no option but to believe or scheme to get rid of
him. They chose the latter. What do we choose? Are we ready to let him
redefine the heart and hope of our worship?
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Holy God, I thank you so much for sending Jesus. I want him to be Lord
of every area of my life, especially my understanding of your desire
for worship and community. As I continue to read and learn from him,
inform my heart through your Spirit to better know him and be conformed
into his likeness. You sacrificed so much; help me to hold back nothing
as I seek to live for him. In Jesus' precious 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/0602-wjd.html
>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Matthew+12:8&sr=1&t=erv
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