Setting Aside – Lent Day 37

“They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!” Mark 7:7-9


“How can you suggest that we change our family tradition? We have always done it this way!”

Does this have a familiar ring? Have you been accused of trying to change a family tradition? You may find yourself treading on dangerous ground. Traditions are…well, tradition!

Who, day and night, must scramble for a living, Feed a wife and children, say his daily prayers?  And who has the right, as master of the house, To have the final word at home?  The Papa, the Papa! Tradition. Tevye singing in Fiddler On The Roof

Jesus had some words about tradition when it conflicted with the commands of God. As a proper Jewish boy growing up in a Jewish home, Jesus learned all about tradition and it’s importance. God Himself established rules and traditions with the Israelites as they moved out of Egyptian bondage and into freedom and knowledge of The Holy One.

Ok, Ken…what’s the issue with traditions? Jesus spoke eloquently on this subject. Let’s read His words, again. 

“You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!” Did you catch that? The issue is not traditions…it’s setting aside the commands of God!

Lent is a time to let go of some things, even traditions, and review God’s commands. Perhaps we will be led into some new traditions. God’s commands are good, so imagine what God has for us as we finish our Lenten journey.

Remember…don’t set aside God’s commands.

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