Mark 2:27
What does Jesus mean by this? The fact is that the Sabbath was instituted much like circumcision. God did not command early mankind to keep the Sabbath. Nor did he give such a command to Noah and his progeny. Yet, that the seventh day was and is special is obvious from as far back as the first week of earth’s existence. God rested on that day and made it special because of it.
Jesus is saying that the Sabbath was made as an institution, a command, for the Jewish people, that was meant to be a blessing, and not a curse. Though those Jews who early on failed to observe the Sabbath were killed, this does not mean that mercy has no place on this day. As Jesus points out in another place, if the ox is in the ditch on the Sabbath, it is fine to pull the poor thing out. Like circumcision, the observation of the Sabbath and the operation of the temple associated with it were required for the law system. However, as the Apostles made it even more clear later, Jesus had come to fulfill the law. So, many parts of the law system are no longer in force. Such as circumcision, which is very clearly not required anymore.
The Jewish leaders had come to create all kinds of rules and regulations about the observation of the Sabbath. Thus, much of their idea of what was not allowable was drawn from their traditions, and not from the law. Regulated piety is generally a show because it leaves out the attitude of the heart. A submissive, contrite, and obedient heart will not be rejected by God. But a heart full of the wrong motives, and even downright rebellion, will not be accepted, no matter how many rules are observed.
Bible Reading: Acts 9:1-10:48
Scripture Memory: James 5:20 “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us all that we need to serve you. You don’t expect us to try to live our lives as Christians all on our own, but yet you give us the ability to live our lives as Christians. Thus, the strength, the love, the virtues that are needed are all from you, but you have set them in our hand that we may use them as we serve you. May every movement of our lives be for your honor and glory. May we live in such a way that others will glorify you, and not notice us. Let us live humbly that we may live godly. You are worthy of our every praise and thanksgiving! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.
Prayer Requests: Pray for travelling safety for those that must be on the road today. Pray for a man who is very sick. Pray for a man who needs physical rehab. Pray for woman with cancer.
Journal Entry #15057