Day 1
BIBLE READING: Mark 7:1-13
It is over 115 kms from Jerusalem to Galilee. Yet some of the Pharisees walked that distance just to criticise Jesus. The Pharisees were a group of men who, while they were believed in God, made a great many more laws or rules than God ever gave to his people. They thought that by doing certain things they scored points with God. All they cared about were outward things. But their hearts were not right with God.
It is tragic when men or women go through life doing things which they think will pleased God when all the time God is looking for the love and worship of their hearts.
Because the Pharisees had added so many rules of their own to the law which God had given, their rules had taken the place of God's law. Christ mentioned this when pointing out what they had done to the commandment regarding parents (v.9).
Christ wanted to cut through their man-made rules and help people see the need of obeying God and having a right relationship with him. Christ always taught that God wants our fellowship, with no sin between us and him.
The Pharisees thought sin was a failure to keep their rules. It was something on the outside of a person. But Christ said sin is in the heart. It is not just common dirt on our hands, but the stain of sin deep within our hearts.
Do you understand the difference? Religion is only something we do. Salvation is something which deals with the heart and only God can do that.
'What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.'
A VERSE FOR TODAY:
If we confess our sins he [God] will forgive our sins. - 1 John 1:9
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