Blind Obedience
Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in religious law, “Well, is it permitted in the law to heal people on the Sabbath day, or not?” When they refused to answer, Jesus touched the sick man and healed him and sent him away. Then he turned to them and asked, “Which of you doesn’t work on the Sabbath? If your son or your cow falls into a pit, don’t you proceed at once to get him out?” Luke 14:3-5
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The Pharisees, along with the priests, were administrators of the law. They studied, interpreted, and observed the law in their homes and in the temple. Therefore, it made sense that Jesus would pose his question to them. Yet over generations the Pharisees’ ancestors had heaped new definitions and traditions on top of the individual laws. Their intent was to avoid sin, but the original meaning of the law became diluted because of all the complicated stipulations. The observance of the law became burdensome. It also made it difficult for the Pharisees to provide a clear answer to Jesus’ question. Jesus was not breaking the law of the Sabbath when he healed the man. He showed compassion for one who was helpless to heal himself. We practice only blind obedience when we follow dogma or tradition or adhere to rules and regulations and yet fail to understand and practice the heart of Christianity. “Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no higher law.
Prayers:
JESUS, forgive me when I get caught up in tradition or legalism and follow those things instead of seeking and following you. It’s easy to get tangled in religious activities and forget that there is a world outside the four walls of my church. I love you, Lord. Bring me into harmony with you. Help me to live in such a way that others will see you at work in my heart.
Quotes:
If you have received the Spirit and are obeying him, you find he brings your spirit into complete harmony with God, and the sound of your goings and the sound of God’s goings are one and the same. Oswald Chambers (1874–1917)
The One Year Bible Readings for today are: Deuteronomy 34:1—Joshua 2:24; Luke 13:22–14:6; Psalm 79:1-13 and Proverbs 12:26.
