I am reading through the Gospel of Mark with our deacon body this month. It has reminded me that there are key ideas that are important to Jesus. We learn these principles by studying the Gospels and what Jesus actually taught when he walked the dusty roads with his disciples.
I often have to remind myself that I need to go back to the source. It is easy to get caught up in what others say about what Jesus said, and fail to study Jesus’ actual teachings.
In Mark 7, we find a key principle important to Jesus. He pointed out that it is crucial to make sure we base our faith and actions on God’s commands and not the traditions created by humans. It is human nature to try and take God’s commands and apply them to the way we live. And at some point, there will arise opinions on how we live out those commands. Over time, these opinions become practice and before long a tradition is formed. When those traditions supersede the commands themselves, we have moved away from God’s intent.
Today, make sure to go back to the source. We have done a good job of creating religions but too often we focus on the religions and not the relationship. So focus on that relationship with God today.
Be blessed.
This morning, I had the opportunity to meet some men for breakfast – just to spend some time together and get to know one another better. I had no agenda – just community.
Yesterday was Resurrection Sunday. We celebrated an empty tomb. We praised God because Jesus is alive! We reflected on the new life that is made available to us through Jesus giving up his and being raised three days later. I pray you celebrated in grand fashion with your church family. Around here, we pulled out all the stops and had an amazing time of worship.
Jesus used this time as yet another teaching moment. He knew what was coming and he wanted his followers to be ready. He explained that the life of a follower is a life of humble service. There is no place for wanting to be first in God’s Kingdom. He demonstrated this important lesson by going to each disciple and washing his feet. The point he was making was that even he came to serve and not be served. As the path led out of that room, into a garden and then on into a mock trial and crucifixion, the lesson became even more clear. He came to serve all of humanity with the ultimate sacrifice.
d’s grace on our own.
We now begin one of the most – if not THE most – special weeks of the year. Holy Week shows us God’s plan spelled out.
l of gravity, it will. If there is the slightest vulnerability in a roof, water will capitalize on it.
Clay in the Hands 