We are almost to the end of 2021. As of today, there are 50 days remaining in 2021. These last two years have been interesting and challenging. We have seen divisions and opinions over all kinds of topics. The main one, of course, is that illness stemming from C___D. (If I spell it out, when I post this on FB, I’ll get one of those “information notices” over the top of my post. But I’m sure you know what I’m talking about!)
I think one good thing that has come out of these troublesome two years is that we are better at handwashing. We may differ on how to handle the fear and virus pandemic, but I doubt anyone can dispute the value of washing our hands more often.
Jesus’ disciples got in trouble in Matthew 15 for not washing their hands before they ate. The Pharisees and scribes confronted Jesus about it. However, they were not concerned about germs, they were concerned about the traditions that had been handed down by the elders. [vs 1-2]
Jesus turned the tables back on those confronting him by reminding them that they broke God’s commandments through some of their traditions. Then Jesus quoted the words of Isaiah 29:13: “These people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. They worship Me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commands of men.” [vs 8-9 HCSB]
As I read the account in Matthew 15, I could not help but wonder what Jesus would say if He walked into our midst today. The issue would not be about handwashing, but I wonder if we too are teaching “as doctrines the commands of men.”
I wonder if He would say we honor Him with our lips, but our hearts are far from Him. I know I want my heart to be as close to Him as it can get. I want my heart to be full of Him. Whether I am worshipping alone or worshipping in church with my brothers and sisters in Christ, I never want it to be in vain. I want everything I do to honor Him.
