| PITH Press |
| July 2009 Readings |
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July 17, 2009,
Friday Read: Ex: 11:10-12:14 Mt. 12:1-8 "Your disciples are doing what is not permitted on the sabbath." (Mt. 12:2)Some Jews observed their sabbath obligations in a manner out of proportion to the requirements of God’s law. "The seventh day is the sabbath of complete rest, sacred to the LORD. You must keep the sabbath as something sacred." (Ex. 31:14-15)"If you hold back your foot on the sabbath from following your own pursuits on my holy day; If you call the sabbath a delight, and the LORD’s holy day honorable; If you honor it by not following your ways, seeking your own interests, or speaking with malice—then you shall delight in the LORD." (Is. 58:13-14)These Jews tried prove religiousity stressing external expressions to sanctify the sabbath. Yet the Lord reads hearts -- many were trying to "dupe" the Lord -- outwardly living the sabbath obligations, but inside their hearts were empty."‘When will the new moon be over,’ you ask, ‘that we may sell our grain, and the sabbath, that we may display the wheat? We will diminish the ephah, add to the shekel, and fix our scales for cheating!" (Am. 8:5)The Pharisees complained to Jesus that His disciples were grabbing grains off the wheat stalks to eat on the sabbath. Jesus defended them, reminding the Pharisees of a similar episode in David’s time. Jesus in no way abolished the commandment concerning the keeping of the sabbath. It is what is in our hearts that is important, no matter how pious our outward actions. Reflection and commentary Psalm 100:3 "Know that the LORD is God, our maker to whom we belong." |
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