Devotional Guide, Today’s Reading – Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Theme: THE CHILDREN OF THE KINGDOM

Theme: THE CHILDREN OF THE KINGDOM

Text: “He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.” – Mark 7:6-8.

Comment: Our Lord Jesus Christ was hard on the Pharisees for placing traditions which they and their forefathers had established, above the laws of God. When they challenged him for not obeying such traditions, he cited the declaration made by the Prophet Isaiah as stated in the text for today. As disciples of Christ we must also condemn and refuse to take part in traditions that  water down or directly contradict Christian principles. God Almighty enjoins us not to learn the ways of the heathen for the customs of the people are vain. And St. Paul stated: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”  (Colossians 2:8) “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? … Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.