John 5:10 So the religious leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.”
As a child, I looked upon the Pharisees (Jewish religious leaders) as mean-spirited, squinty-eyed conspirators who loved to bring anguish upon the masses. Break a rule and you’re doomed for all eternity. Perhaps this was correct for a few of them, but I see them today as mostly misguided, self-righteous, and preoccupied with their beloved rules. They based their righteousness upon their ability to flawlessly follow Jewish law as put forth in the Torah.
I humbly realize now that Christianity has its own version of being a Pharisee. In my young teenage years, I went through a period where I wouldn’t wear pants. That was a reflection of the Christian school and the church I attended. Young ladies were to look the part! I remember a youth from a similar background commenting once that an acquaintance of his couldn’t possibly be saved because that person wore T-shirts. Seems drastic today, but growing up in the 60s and 70s, that was my culture.
Different churches and denominations all have their own version of legalism. And, rules and norms definitely have their place. It is comfortable to know what is expected in certain settings; however, we must watch that we don’t fall into legalism’s snare as well. In the verse above, the Pharisees were so indignant that this man had been healed on the Sabbath that they failed to absorb the beauty of the miracle!
When rules within our faith practice trump grace and mercy, something is amiss. Dear Lord, help our hearts to be tuned into the suffering of others. May we be aware of any self-righteous indignation within us that blinds our hearts to those who most need relief.
Blessings to all on this “chilly” Monday!
Diana
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