BIBLE READING: Numbers 20, 21, 22; Mark 7: 1-17
“Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men. for laying aside the commandment of God, Ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups, and many other such like things ye do” – Mark 7:7-8 (KJV)
Traditions are not necessarily bad but they become bad when we allow them to stand between us and God. Heavenly and godly traditions should be prioritized over earthly and human traditions. Any tradition that is opposed to God and his kingdom should be discarded so they don’t hinder us from serving and obeying God.
Any tradition we promote should serve God and his purpose. Unfortunately, many people today like the Pharisees and the scribes promote ungodly traditions such that those traditions become great obstacle to, not only their salvation but to the liberation and harvest of their families and communities. These ungodly traditions they promote and hold dearly to results in persecution of Christians who want to practice the tradition of their Christian faith. These ungodly tradition make their adherents to reject the gospel and to become hindrance to the spread of the gospel in their communities. Some people are willing to die to protect their tradition. They see themselves as custodians of their culture and traditions and see Christians as rebels. They fight to see that such traditions are preserved from generation to generation.
Apostle Paul fought to preserve and spread the traditions of Judaism to the point of arresting and killing the disciples of Jesus. In his zeal and passion to protect and preserve the religions traditions of the fathers, he did harvock to the church of Christ. Until he had encounter with Christ and embrace the faith he once persecuted.
“As for Saul, he made harvock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison” – Acts 8:3 (KJV). The same God that changed his story and transformed his life can do same to you today.
Prayer: Dear Lord, break every tradition opposed to your will and your kingdom in my life and my community in Jesus name.
Rev. Vincent Diolu