Matthew 15:16 - "And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? "
Matthew
Chapter 15, our Lord Jesus teaches us the meaning of True Religion. We
usually treated Religion as a a matter of physical celebration, eating
and drinking or outward ceremonial. Religion is the intention of the
soul, the continual abiding and drawing from Christ the life-source and
power needed for daily work and ministry for others. It may be likened
and illustrated by the experience of an ocean diver who explores the
depth of the ocen-floor, but always draw upon the breeze that sweeps the
ocean sea surface.
Notice that our Lord Jesus
did not do away or underestimate the outward observance of the forms of
religion we have. He sets us proof and clear example observance by His
attendance at the Synagogue and Temple services, and in quality time
spend in prayer by nights, by His constant reference to Holy Scripture
indicating He knew His Bible well. These are only outward and natural
expression of His unbroken fellowship with His Father. Jesus wants us to
understand that human love does not consist of merely in outward
expression, but in the hidden ideal purpose of the human hearts, for if
there be no outward expression the spring will dry up.
Perhaps
the two greatest definitions of Pure religion are both found in the Old
Testament and New Testament. In the Old Testament: "Do Justly, love
mercy, walk humbly with God," and in the New Testament: "Pure religion
and undefiled before God is this: Visit the fatherless and widows in
their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world...." But
to fulfill each of these we need the help of the Holy Spirit.
To
be truly religious is within the reach and scope of us all; but we must
avail ourselves of what Jesus Christ has done to bring us to God. In
Him there is absolute forgiveness for all the past, and infinite help
and grace for the future. He is willing to be our Surety, Friend, and
Helper. Through Him we may become partakers of the Divine Nature, and
escape the corruption which is in the world through lust.
AMEN.
Taniela Fonua (Lapaifonua)
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