Monday, February 17, 2020
Bible Text: Matthew 15:3-6 Jesus replied, “And why do you, by your traditions, violate the direct commandments of God? For instance, God says, ‘Honor your father and mother, and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death. ‘But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’ In this way, you say they don’t need to honor their parents. And so you cancel the word of God for the sake of your own tradition. Read Matthew 15:1-9
Memory Verse: Acts of the Apostles 5:29 “But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.”
Growing up could have been very confusing for a good number people due to different doctrines, set rules, teachings and the rest alike to be observed, some of which at times can be overwhelming. Most of the beliefs people grow up with have ways in determining or shaping their growth into adulthood and usually creating a new life out of the old can be a very challenging task. This is why when the opportunity comes up to get it right, it’s usually advisable to put in every effort to get it right else damage control can be costly.
With the ever changing human laws and uncertainties around the world, it can be ever so difficult not to get confused. I once worked in an organisation where my current boss seems to have agreed a work pattern and then there was a change of management which meant I had to renegotiate terms. This is usually the most common problem with laws made by men, everyone puts something in place that benefits them.
Being a child of God really prevents you from living a confused life. While some people may not only be physically confused, they could find themselves in a spiritually confused state but you as a Christian have the privilege of never being left in a confused state because when all seems muddled up, God is there to give you direction and instruction on the way and path to go. The scriptures which is our guide, despite new of inspiration every moment, does not get written or changed up to achieve this. It doesn’t have new laws being embedded every time; it is one complete compass published remains the same because there is never a change in management.
When King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah wanted to go on a war against Ramoth-Gilead, though they wanted to enquire of the Lord, they had already premeditated what they wanted to hear. In summary, they wanted to go to that war with or without God’s approval. The official a message to prophet Micaiah, giving him certain boundaries, mandating him to switch directions from telling the truth on God’s take on going to war with Ramoth Gilead. Micaiah originally sarcastically told them exactly what they wanted to hear before telling them exactly what the Lord said, 1kings 22:10-18.
The mere fact that prophet Micaiah was sarcastic about his initial response has it obvious that His loyalty was with God. There are things in life that will test where your loyalty lays but it’s important to remember that God is the king of all kings in heaven and on the earth therefore His word is final over each and every situation.
Joshua said in Joshua 24:15 “as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord” where do you stand with your life decisions and loyalty?
The word of God never contradicts itself and it stands out amongst all the new teachings, doctrines, way of life, behavioral patterns and questionable standings contrary to Christ’s teachings. In Jesus’s statements from today’s bible text, he warns us to be aware of certain man made rules that may contradict the word of God.
Laws instituted by man can be changed and is most times made up of self-gain and selfishness to attain certain goals, aims or objectives, but the commandments of God originated out of pure love for mankind to help live a fulfilled life. Amazingly, they are alive and active every moment we have the breath of life in us and it remains the same.
PRAYERS:
- Father I thank You for your love which is priceless
- I surrender all to you O Lord, guide me O Lord and help me to walk in your commandments all though this year 2020
- Help me to fully acknowledge You for direction, live above fear of uncertainties and grant me the boldness to adhere to your words over man made laws. I activate the obedience in me in Jesus name.
- Forgive my iniquities Lord and let your mercy prevail over judgement
- Thank you Father and in Jesus Name I Pray, Amen.
I’m reading the YouVersion plan ‘Bible in One Year 2020 With Nicky Gumbel’. Check it out by clicking on the caption below.
