Matthew 15:20
In case there may be those who are concerned about the meaning of this in relation to the spread of disease, rest assured that is not the subject here. Some have dared to think that Jesus was unaware of the fact that disease can spread more easily when food is handled without the proper washing of one’s hands. However, this is totally out in left field and completely off of the subject. Jesus was not making a statement about cleanliness, but holiness. Food does not make people unholy, sin makes people unholy.
For those who would object on the basis of the Old Testament unclean meats laws, two things must be kept in mind. First, the infraction here is eating with unwashed hands, not eating unclean meats. Secondly, the meats identified as unclean could cause defilement because God commanded the Jews not to eat them, not because the meats themselves were defiled. This is illustrated quite simply. Persons who were handicapped in certain ways were not allowed to serve in the temple. Did this make them somehow less holy? No, as individuals, they were no more or less holy than any others, but Almighty God chose not to let them serve in his temple. The same is true with meats. Pigs may romp in the mud more than sheep, but they both smell funny. Animals are animals. God selected certain animals that he wanted the Jews to eat, and certain animals that he wanted them not to eat. It is about his will, not the fitness of the meat.
Bible Reading: Psalm 44:1-48:14
Scripture Memory: 1 John 3:24 “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for speaking to us, even when we don’t deserve it. It is amazing how clear You are, and yet how easily we get to thinking that You are keeping us guessing. Your guidance is always perfect. You know just what to say, how to say it, and when to say it. May we never forget how amazing it is that Almighty God takes time with finite humanity. Thank You! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Requests: Pray for a woman in the hospital with cancer. Pray for a woman with health issues. Pray for a man who just had a heart attack.
Journal Entry #13275