DEVOTION ~ THE UNLAWFUL

Theme: The Unlawful 

Text: Mark 2:23&24

23 Now it happened that He went through the grainfields on the Sabbath, and as they went His disciples began to pluck the heads of grain. 24 And the Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why do they do what is not lawful on the Sabbath?”

The Israelites were given laws that guided every action of theirs when the Lord God brought them out of bondage in Egypt. One of the laws is on the Sabbath; “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Exodus 20:8). The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week and it has been designated for rest as the creation work of God ended on the sixth day and He rested on the seventh day. The essence of this law was to draw all Israelites to God and to reflect on their relationship with God that day. Not working on the day, paves the way for rest and solitude. As time passed by, human legalities began to find their way into the law by disarming the intent of the law to suit their personal gain. For instance, it is unlawful to do any work on the Sabbath talk of plucking the heads of grain in order to have ample time with God. The punitive measure for anyone who desecrates it is to be put to death and those who do any work on that day must be cut off from their people (Exodus 31:14). 

Unfortunately, these human legalities were established by religious leaders. That is why it baffles the Pharisees why the disciples of Jesus would do such a thing on the Sabbath. Many of us have become Pharisees in the Vineyard of the Lord; We are quick to judge the breach of tradition but have no insight into the significance of what we claim to be breached. Does the unlawful act in any way violate the will of God? Take note the Pharisees were not bordered by failing to walk in the will of God but rather for not adhering to their laid down principles on the dos and don'ts of the Sabbath. In what ways have you judged people for acting unlawfully because their actions did not go to your advantage? Repent!

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord for not allowing Your law to stand as You intend it to be. Have mercy on me, cleanse and purge out every Pharisees' spirit in me that is quick to judge. Strengthen me to keep Your laws in my heart and to teach others to do the same. Thank You for answered prayer in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!