Inside Out

“He replied, ‘Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men. You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.’" Mark 7:6-8

 

Pharisees were notorious for judging the merits of people on a tradition based upon outward appearances. If it appears holy, then it must be. The Pharisees partook in a religious tradition of the washing of the hands. This was not about personal hygiene, but an elaborate ritual full of deep religious symbolism. It was widely practiced among the Jews of the first century, so much so that they thought it strange that the Lord and His disciples did not bother with it. This washing of hands consisted of thoroughly washing the hands up to the elbows while offering prayers and blessings as a religious ritual. This tradition deluded the Pharisees into thinking themselves pure, when in reality they were only cleansing the surface.

 

Spiritual cleansing must come from within! A good question to ask when dealing with all religious ritual, practices and doctrine is, "Is it of God or of man?" Jesus said that there were at least two things wrong with the Pharisees’ practice. First, they were going through motions which had the appearance of holiness but their hearts were far removed from God. Second, their worship of God was in vain because they taught and practiced as "doctrine the precepts of men." Jesus said both of these problems were serious enough to render their worship vain. I ask myself the question, “is what I am doing bringing attention to God or to me?”

 

Dear Lord, help us understand that you know the motives of each one of our hearts. May our outward worship reveal our deep love for you and not just religious ritual. Amen