“The RoseBouquet”

The nitpicking Pharisees and teachers of God’s laws came from the big city of Jerusalem to check on Jesus, and to point out wrongs in their eyes. They asked, “Why do Your disciples not keep the traditions, and not wash their hands before they eat?”

Just how many fountains of flowing water did they see out in the rural areas where the crowds gathered around Jesus? I’ve seen the lineups in a church wash-room; what did they expect?

But Jesus didn’t get sidetracked. He asked why they broke God’s command for the sake of their traditions? He gave an example. God said to Honour father and mother, and whoever curses either is to be put to death, yet they taught that what you owed to your parents could be dedicated to God, which in their minds, superceded God’s command, nullifying it.

Jesus quoted God’s charge in Isaiah, “These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.”

So, I do the same thing? Have I dedicated time to God, that I should have spent giving honour and respect to my parents? Do I appear to be worshipping God, but my heart is far from Him, and I’m just going through little rules and routines I’ve made up?

I wish it weren’t so! I think I have done just that more than once. Although vague now, times do come to mind when I insisted that I had to work at the church, or on my AWANA projects rather than do something for Mom. I had many failures like that over the years. Probably not so much now with Dad, but I do try to fit his needs in around my own business schedule. Sometimes even my devotional times are dull routines, instead of alive with true worship to God.

PRAYER: Lord, I am as guilty as the Pharisees of these charges. I’m truly sorry! Please cleanse me of these sins by Your precious blood shed on the cross, and make me whiter than snow. Help me to worship You!

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. Just graduating from high school in a small town in Saskatchewan, Canada, Ruthe commutes to the city of Saskatoon as a telephone operator. BUT in her off hours, she gets involved in the lives of the abused, bereaved, dying and spiritually hungry. Read Ruthe’s Story