Bible Reading: Mark 7:1-13
In our text, Jesus was rebuking the Pharisees for adding to and taking away from the Word of God to benefit their own personal lifestyle and beliefs. I have found that to be a common practice, not just among the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, but among the believers of today as well. I read the following story some time back that illustrates this point.
A pastor was talking with a woman who appeared to be somewhat knowledgeable of God’s Word. The pastor mentioned capital punishment. “Oh,” she said, “I’m against capital punishment. I can’t imagine anyone being a man of God who believes in capital punishment. Why on earth,” she asked, “would you believe such a thing?” “Very simple,” said the pastor, “it is a basic teaching of God’s Word.”
Genesis 9:5-6, “And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”
Exodus 21:12, “He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.”
Revelation 13:10, “He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.”
After hearing all the verses of what God said in regard to capital punishment, the lady looked at the pastor and said, “I’ll go and pray and see how God guides me in the matter.”
Now, at the risk of sounding crude, I say, “It doesn’t matter what she does, God’s Word makes it clear on the matter.” So it should be in our lives – not what we think, but what God’s Word says.
What to do:
✞Let the Word of God be your final authority.
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