Tradition Learned By Rote

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Tradition Learned By Rote

God’s word,  the Bible,  often calls us “children”  for a very good reason.     Because  we are sinners  going astray  in so many different ways,  we are always distracted  from how we should be living.     It doesn’t take much  to be attracted  to all sorts  of “new” teachings  because they seem more exciting  than ancient,  biblical teachings  we’ve known all our lives,  which one can think of  as very boring.

Every church service  is basically the same,  so that people get lulled  into not honestly worshiping the LORD,  singing praises  from their hearts,  or listening  to the sermon.     Just as a child wanders off  to see or do something  more interesting,  adults wander away  from God’s truths,  looking for something new.

The people of Israel  were the same.     Instead of seeing all  of God’s blessings  around them  —  having a thankful heart  —  seeing the awesome things God does  in nature  and history  —  and remembering all that God has done  for our salvation,  they simply didn’t want  to consider all those things any more.     So,  Isaiah 29:13-14 records,

Then  the Lord said,
“Because  this people  draw near  with their words
And honor Me  with their lip service,
But  they remove their hearts far  from Me,
And their reverence  for Me  consists of tradition  learned by rote,      

Therefore  behold,  I will once again  deal marvelously  with this people,  wondrously marvelous;
And the wisdom  of their wise men  will perish,
And the discernment  of their discerning men  will be concealed.”

Sure,  they well knew  how the worship service  was conducted  —  and they thought  they had better put up with it  for the sake  of looking good  in the eyes  of others,  and possibly for getting into heaven.     But,  just going through a routine  without a sincere heart  of love  is worthless  —  and totally disrespectful  of God’s faithful love  for us.

God has not changed  —  people have.     God says  He will punish  such hypocrisy  by taking away their “wisdom”  and “discernment”.     Hopefully,  being dumbed down  for awhile  will enable them  to wake up  to their urgent need  for a constantly close relationship  with our Creator Redeemer.

Removing our hearts far  from God  can lead  to eternal destruction.     Since God has remained faithful  to us,  in spite  of our sins,  it is only decent and right  for us  to honestly pay attention  to all  He does  for us with sincerely thankful  and loving hearts.     Then  we should be  more inclined  to worship  with true hearts.

Praising  God’s eternal love,  we say,  “Hallelujah!     LORD,  thank You  for Your patient love.”

Love,
Margaret

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A Christian devotional  to glorify  the LORD of lords  and GOD of gods.

Pray for our country.

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The LORD  made this day, let us rejoice  and be glad  in Him.

Psalm 118:24

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The word of the LORD is tried;

He is a shield  to all  who take refuge  in Him.

Psalm 18:30

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Sing for joy  in the LORD,  O you righteous ones;

Praise is becoming  to the upright.

Psalm 33:1

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How blessed are those  who dwell  in Thy house!

They are ever praising Thee.

Psalm 84:4

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Just as a father  has compassion  on his children,

So the LORD  has compassion  on those who fear Him.

Psalm 103:13

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O give thanks  to the LORD,  for He is good;

For His lovingkindness  is everlasting.

Psalm 107:1

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Glory in His holy name;

Let the heart  of those who seek the LORD  be glad.

Psalm 105:3

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Not that I have already obtained it,  or have already  become perfect,   but I press on  in order that  I may  lay hold  of that  for which also  I was laid hold of  by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12

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