So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus,“Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with ‘unclean’ hands?”
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 7:5-7
There are many Christians who would not make a decision regarding a controversial matter before getting some word or opinion from their pastor. While it is commendable to seek the advice of the pastor, particularly to explain God’s word, it must be borne in mind that the pastor’s word is not the benchmark of faith. God’s word is.
God’s word should never be subjugated to the laws of man. Church tradition cannot be in conflict with the Word of God. God’s law takes precedence over the law of man. In the above text, Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees and teachers of the law who challenge his lack of adherence to the traditions of the elders — unfortunately, they were so wrapped up in tradition, they ignored God’s law.
Today we are right where the Pharisees were during the time of Jesus. We are caught up in customs and traditions rather than doing what God commands us to do in his word. Constantly we see churches reinterpreting God’s word to accommodate new customs, called “modernization”. When these changes take place unfortunately, we do not know the difference. Why? We don’t know because we are not aware of what God’s word says.
Our knowledge of the Bible is lacking. Many Christians choose to ignore the study of the Bible — God’s word, the benchmark for life. They leave it to others to do for them. Consequently, many Christians are passive when governments create laws which conflict with the word of God. The legitimacy of governments is not an excuse to ignore what the word of God says.
When the laws of man conflicts with the word of God, then the word of God takes precedence. There is no law or regulation upon this earth greater or more important than God’s commands. God’s word cannot be compromised.
Don’t surrender your study of God’s word to others for the sake of convenience. Jesus calls us to live according to God’s word not traditions, popular customs, or our own interpretation of God’s word. Through its study we are able to discern and flee from false teachings.
Scholars such as Martin Luther, et al, made great sacrifices in order to translate the Bible into the common language. They wanted the laity to be able to study the word of God. When the Bible was confined to the church leaders, God’s word was used to disadvantage the people. Don’t stand by passively and let the evil laws of man erode God’s word. God’s word brings freedom and a peace.
When God’s word is eroded and watered down through reinterpretations to appease society and the evil laws of man becomes the benchmark, living will become uneasy. The laws of man can become oppressive and have the effect of the stings from a thousand scorpions. Serving God is not doing what we think is pleasing to those who will see our actions. Pleasing God is doing what is right, in God’s sight.
My brothers and sisters make yourselves aware of God’s word and live by it. We Christians are God’s emissaries to the world. He wants us to study and to know his word. When we do, we will be better able to defend our Christian faith, sharpen our knowledge and glean a better understanding. Do not neglect the study of God’s word. Amen.
• Reverend Samuel M. Boodle, pastor at The Lutheran Church of Nassau, can be reached at P.O. Box N 4794, Nassau, Bahamas or telephone 323-4107; E-mail: lutheranchurch@coralwave.com.
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