by David Brenneman
"At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath, and His disciples became hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat. But when the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples do what is not lawful to do on a Sabbath.” But He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he became hungry, he and his companions, how he entered the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for those with him, but for the priests alone? Or have you not read in the Law, that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and are innocent? But I say to you that something greater than the temple is here. But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire compassion, and not a sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Departing from there, He went into their synagogue. And a man was there whose hand was withered. And they questioned Jesus, asking, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse Him. And He said to them, “What man is there among you who has a sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable then is a man than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand!” He stretched it out, and it was restored to normal, like the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against Him, as to how they might destroy Him. But Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. Many followed Him, and He healed them all, and warned them not to tell who He was. This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, My Servant whom I have chosen; My Beloved in whom My soul is well-pleased; I will put My Spirit upon Him, And He shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel, nor cry out; Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets. A battered reed He will not break off, And a smoldering wick He will not put out, Until He leads justice to victory. And in His name the Gentiles will hope.” Matthew 12:1-21.
Many times well meaning people unknowingly or unwittingly establish legalistic ideas in churches by way of wrongful opinions rather than by viewing the proper administration of the Church of Jesus Christ from a truly Scriptural basis.
Much conflict arises at times about what to wear at a church service. What translation of Bible to read. What should or shouldn't be done on a Sunday. Should people work on a Sunday.
Sad to say it's these areas of conflict that some are so convinced of that are not drawing people to Jesus but rather in their observation of these Christians they want nothing to do with those types of Christians. As it was in Jesus's days so it is in ours.
Our society has businesses that work on Sundays. It's a fact of life in the world in which we live. It's not Biblical to sit out in protest of having to do so. The Scriptures say whereas it is possible be at peace with all men. Nobody is sinning by being required to work. As Jesus pointed out who doesn't do good on the Sabbath?
Bible translations are up to the reader's understanding as well as on them to want to read one they understand and that has a reputation for accuracy. My personal preference is the New American Standard Bible pre-1995. I also read the ESV and CSV versions while studying. I was given a King James version after I came to Christ for salvation but always found it confusing to me.
Using a reputable version that allows understanding of God's word is fine.
Clothing also doesn't matter much because it's not our outward appearance that matters more than our inward appearance. Modesty should be a defining factor but nothing else matters more than a person's soul. I have heard of stories of people being turned away from entering a church because of what they were wearing.
Would Jesus turn such a person away? Absolutely not.
Would Jesus turn someone away because of what Bible they held in their hands? Absolutely not.
Would Jesus condemn someone who had to work? Absolutely not.
Our relationship with Jesus is paramount, not our strict adherence to rituals or ideals.
Jesus wants a vibrant growing relationship with you. He's not seeking people who only know how to do things or look a part.
If you're going to a church that pushes ideas that an outward appearance matters more than a right relationship with Jesus...leave it. It is a place that has no blessing of God upon it.
If you're going to a church that looks down upon you for using a version of the Bible that differs from what they teach and preach from...question it. The Heaven we are going to inhabit is not based upon any particular denomination. It's not going to be only NASB people or KJV people or ESV people. Truth isn't a translation it's a person, the person of Jesus Christ.
If people are more concerned with your appearance than your soul, leave. It only means that the Spirit isn't a part of that so-called church.
Jesus Christ looked to who a person was on the inside so must we too.
Compromises and restrictive ideals are what formed the basis for denominations. The truth of the Gospel message is what's the only thing that is important for people to receive.
Christians are supposed to be living in the character of Christ Jesus in this world.
Where the raw people aren't welcomed...those who can't afford anything more than to bring themselves as they are to a church service...then Jesus isn't welcome either.
There's a well circulated story of a guy who looked like a bum who went into a church. He didn't smell the greatest, certainly didn't look the greatest either. He entered and very cautiously took a seat in one of the pews. Many many parishioners avoided him. Wouldn't go near him. The church had been cleaned up particularly well for that particular day. The new pastor was beginning that day. Many were embarrassed to have this man in their midst. The service started and this man tried to smile at those looking his direction. He sang with them as best he could. Then one of the Deacons went to the pulpit and made mention that the new Pastor was there and would be giving the sermon. This smelly disheveled man got up and approached the pulpit and introduced himself as the new Pastor. The service took a rather different turn when this truth came to light. He pointed out how he was treated from the moment he came in. He made mention that their Deacons and Elders were in on this charade.
We are in this world but are not to be of this world.
Doing churchy things doesn't save us nor make us look more religious. We need a right relationship with Jesus. A bona-fide real relationship with Jesus. One where He has full reign in our hearts. One where the Spirit can go anywhere in our hearts. One where we are Christ to those around because the character of Christ is so prevalent in our lives. Praying for those whom we encounter in our world. People whom others turn their faces from.
What needs to change in your life?
Are you being legalistic as those Pharisees and Sadducees were in Jesus's days?
How many people turn away from the professing Church all because worldly ideas meant more to those going to that Church than changing lives for Jesus Christ?
We don't need to adapt the church to attract people to Jesus. We just need to be who we are supposed to be in Christ. Be that part of the body of Christ that is ours to fulfill.
Be.
All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
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