March 1, 2009 - Match Outside to Inside

Then the Pharisees and Scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?" He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. and in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'  "For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men--the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do."

Mark 7:5-8

In the past, the Pharisees kept their laws to the highest regard. They would purify their physical body before eating or touching any bread as a ceremony. In this verse, Jesus' disciples were criticized for being hypocrites. 

Hypocrites. This word makes me cringe under my skin. The fact that anyone you know can be playing you for a fool is beyond my belief and heart. The sad thing is, I am that hypocrite. I have heard a lot of complains and have seen many people leave the church because of Christians who claim to be Christians, but are something else when they are away from church. We complain about hypocrites, but aren't we all hypocrites in comparison to Christ? Of course one can argue that some people can be more hypocritical than other, but no one is perfect. Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". It is by the grace of God that we are here at church. It is not because of our righteousness that we are here sitting in bible study answering questions and sharing, but because He allowed us to; because of Christ's blood.

Even if their chardes still bother you, remain holy in your decision making. Do not judge these people. You don't know whats going on in their lives. Only God does. Let Him work, pray, and have faith for that hypocrite so that God's mysterious, mighty hand may be upon him/her. 

As a prayer request for me and for your other churches as well, that we may worship God, not with our lips, but with our hearts. Praise Him always. 

Amen.