A Tradition That Corrupts a Commandment
From Pastor Shemalya King
“And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the Word of God of none effect through your tradition...” Mark 7:12-13
Listen, it is SO natural “to the flesh” to disregard and disrespect parents. Many forget the God behind the scenes (the One who commands all to respect parents), the Author and Finisher of ALL things. Many forget and even disregard His sovereignty over us (the work of His mighty hands).
Before you continue to read, please know that this message is for people of God (the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). When Jesus walked the earth, He dealt with the evil mindset of the religious leaders (Pharisees and scribes) of that time. They were hypocrites! They had an outward show of godliness–worshipping God with words, but not with their hearts. Rather than teaching the Word of God (the commandment of God), as their position required, they taught for doctrines the commandments of men–deeply rooted in their tradition. Because their traditions were CONTRARY to the commandments of God, it caused God's commandments to be ineffective. Believe it or not, people hold the opinions of leaders in high regard; thus, a leader's opinion, though only conjecture, must have truthful backing.
I love traditions! But, I know God's Word and keep His commandments. Traditions aren't evil unless they contradict His word.
The commandment that Jesus was highlighting was one for all the people of God: to honor* their parents. It was the first commandment with a promise attached. Here's the promise: “That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” Ephesians 6:3. Is it any shocker that the devil would be behind dishonoring parents? Think about what he did to the children of God (Adam and Eve) in the very beginning. He literally stole their lives by deception. He caused them to dishonor their Father.
Rather than the Pharisees teaching the people that they were commanded to honor their parents, they taught that they should tell their parents, “It's a gift to you if I do anything to profit you.” In saying so, they would be free from the commandment of God (Mark 7:11). What a lie! They pretty much ordered them to “tell off**” their parents.
The Pharisees did not permit the people to do anything good for their parents from that point forward (Mark 7:12).
Listen, guys! Don't let the devil FOOL YOU! This commandment is still in effect (Ephesians 6:12-14); and, in doing so, success and long life on this earth is awarded.
The tradition of the Phariseeic elders corrupted the commandment of God. Don't be like that.
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32
* To prize, to feel a deep respect for, venerate, place great value upon
** Reprimand or scold (Oxford Language Dictionary)
