Today's Readings: OT - Job 8 / NT - Matthew 15:1-20
"But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ he is not to ‘honor his father’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition." - Matthew 15:5-6
Contracts and many different legal documents are not always as binding as one might believe. Those who are well versed in legalize can often find ways to get around the most rock solid guarantee. The reasons for seeking to void a contract are many and varied. For personal gain and benefits, no matter how much the law is respected, people make every effort to find a loophole.
How sad to find careless attitudes with those who were called upon to teach the Scriptures and protect them from misinterpretation. Within the law, commandments were given to benefit the family and promote compassionate care for those in need. Such laws were given from the heart of God to promote a healthy community in spite of mans sin nature. But in time, even loving devotion was cast aside for selfish gain through an inventive loophole.
What does this passage say to us today my friend? The Word of God speaks to us in every area of life and relationship. It provides commands and counsel to promote selfless living and compassionate care for others (Leviticus 19:18/Matthew 22:39-40). Before we set aside our God directed responsibility for those in need (Proverbs 3:27-28) through some reinterpretation, lets stay true to the Word, freely give as we have freely received (Matthew 10:8) and close up the loopholes.
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