Traditional defilement

  READ: Exodus 7, 8; Psalm 29; Matthew 15:1-20.

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew 15:1 Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 2 “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” 3 Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?... 6...Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.

OBSERVATION: This bible passage does not say that Jesus is against tradition. Rather, we can say that he is surely against any tradition that nullifies the word of God. In Jesus' time, "tradition of the elders" were in oral form and played an important role in the day to day activities of Jewish people. The original purpose of the tradition was to help people to follow the law of Moses.  However, they became mere rules taught by humans. When a tradition takes the place of God, whatever offered to God will become a lip service. But God expects our heart service that honor him in our word and deeds. God is not interested in our external or ceremonial purification. He wants us to be "clean" in our heart. As the psalmist says, we need to "worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness" (Ps.29:2).

APPLICATION: Knowingly or unknowingly, we follow many traditions in our life. Originally they all might have been developed with some good intention to aid the day to day life of people. However, I need to be watchful and careful that any tradition that I follow should not nullify the word of God.  In a culture of honor and shame, tradition plays a vital role in a society. However, in my life the words of Jesus are important than any tradition. No tradition is greater than God.  I will not allow any tradition to defile my heart before God. The real blessing of God comes from the word of God, not from any tradition.

PRAYER: Oh Holy God, if I have ever given a place to any tradition that nullify your words, forgive me. Help me to keep my heart pure and clean from any traditional defilement. Sanctify me by the truth of your word. Amen.

- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573
29 January 2021