SOAP - Numbers 21 - 23; Mark 6, 7

(S)cripture-
Mark 7:8 "You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."

(O)bservation-
Jesus said these words to the Pharisees in response to one of the many times they questioned what He and His disciples were doing. Jewish tradition required that they ceremonially wash their hands because they became defiled during the normal circumstances of daily life. On this occasion the Pharisees saw the disciples eating without washing their hands which was against the Jewish tradition. Jesus pointed out that the Pharisees had become so wrapped up in man's laws that they had lost sight of God's commands - what is truly important. In this way the Pharisees were obviously not honoring God but were wrapped up in their own self-righteousness. It s never a good thing to replace what is holy and godly with something that is worldly or simply of man's doing.

(A)pplication-
I definitely don't want to get sucked into thinking that God is pleased with me because I obey and follow any ritual or tradition created by man. I want to know, follow, and do what He commands - to be obedient to Him as a spiritual act of worship. By continuing to be in the Word daily I can test and know what is from God and what is not, and therefore act accordingly. In this world that pulls at us from so many directions this is such a critical thing - to know the Truth, because we are in God's Word and praying about it every day.

(P)rayer-
Father, please keep me on the straight path of understanding and being obedient to Your commands. Help me to not get distracted or blinded by the rituals and traditions created by man, but to pursue those things which are holy and pleasing to You. Thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path to guide and direct me through everything that life throws at me. I praise You Father and help me to never deviate from Your commands and in doing so to be a great witness for Your Kingdom and to bring You glory. Amen.