Mark 2:23-28

Here Jesus is again confronted by the Pharisees about behavior the teachers of the law find questionable--the disciples are gathering grain to eat on the Sabbath--doing what the Pharisees consider is unlawful. Elsewhere in the gospels, they confront Jesus because he healed a man on the Sabbath as well.

Legalism, or nitpicking, is still common in Christian life today. We may judge others because we disagree with the way they dress, talk, or act, when those things may not be contrary to biblical teaching. On the other hand, there may be danger in being too lax--which may be more of a problem today. It seems that the Sabbath is no longer set apart for worship and reflection on God, but is a shopping day, a work day, or a day to get things done around the house.

I am guilty of both--sometimes I judge others because I think they may not be obeying the letter of the law--in their manner of speech or thought (as if I could know their thoughts or hearts!) Other times, I myself am guilty of not setting apart a day of rest, reflection and worship with others.

It seems to me that Jesus came to bring balance to our lives. Of course, his main purpose was to give salvation and eternal life, but as we live our lives on this earth, we need balance. Jesus came in a time where the religious leaders were unbalanced in their legalistic rules about everything. Jesus came as a liberator--our freedom and life is found in him, not in a list of rules that aren't even biblical. Yet he also came to fulfill the law, not to change it, so we need to seek to follow the truth of the Word without being a slave to rules that we make up ourselves.

Lord, help us find balance in you. Thank you for the freedom you give us, and at the same time, thank you for your Word which has instruction for our daily lives. I like this acronym: BIBLE: Basis Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Amen.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:34 AM