Week 44 – October 27-November 2, 2024: Tradition or Faith?

This week’s daily readings:

October 27-November 2, 2024

This week’s devotional:

Tradition or Faith?

By Pastor Frank Albert

Scripture:

And he [Jesus] continued [talking to the Pharisees and teachers of the law], “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God)—then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.” 

— Mark 7:9-13 (NIV) 

Reflection:

This is an odd Scripture to choose as the basis of a devotional, but it has meaning for us in a culture that claims to be somehow connected to Christian faith. While it is true that the USA has many churches and Judeo-Christian ethics in some areas of the culture, there are things in the American Church that are not, in fact, abiding by Jesus’ teachings. The rabbinical leaders of Jesus’ day had developed many complicated rules that led them to observe customs that ignored what God was trying to teach them throughout all the Scriptures and prophets of the Old Testament. The prevailing theme of the Old Testament was and has always been, “I am your God! Seek me first; know my ways; obey my commands.” 

Jesus himself challenged his disciples and his people to obey HIS commands. In all things, we must acknowledge that Kingdom values and commandments ought to come first in the heart and mind of the believer – not political goals, individualism, or materialism, but the very words of Christ. 

It is clear that the Jesus we witness throughout the Gospels is not just interested in making us adhere to moral codes or practices. Instead, he would have us be willing to put aside anything that denies him as King. Not only does our King desire our utmost devotion to his teachings. His greatest hope is that we would love him, believe in him, and experience the freedom he has given us through the cross and resurrection: the freedom to actually be his people! Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life because he showed us the way, then made the way, so that we can be restored and become true subjects of his Kingdom. 

Prayer:

Jesus, teach me the things I do not know. Show me how to obey your commandments, following the Spirit instead of tradition. Show me where I mistakenly believe and live by my culture instead of your Kingdom. May your Kingdom come, your will be done, no matter what my culture appears to value. Bring revival to the USA, so that we would know you and your ways. I pray this in your Holy Name. Amen