2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Leviticus 15:1-16:28 ESV, Mark 7:1-23 ESV, Psalm 40:11-17 ESV, Proverbs 10:13-14 ESV
Daily Verse: And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ (Mark 7:6-7 ESV)
PROPHETEUO (4395): “To foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office: prophesy (28X)”[I]
Divine inspiration.
Isaiah, a prophet from the Old Testament, foretold future events, including Christ’s birth. Jesus quoted Isaiah when responding to the religious leaders’ accusations. Many people profess to follow Jesus, but their actions don’t match their words. Battling our sinful nature remains constant while we live on this earth.
We do today what the Pharisees did then. Looking to other people to save us never works. Placing our hope in traditions and laws will result in disappointment. Human nature remains the same thousands of years after Isaiah made his prophecy.
Change direction.
Following the commandments of men instead of Jesus has a simple solution: change direction. Everyone takes a wrong turn in life, making a decision that takes them down a path they never intended to walk. When you find yourself on one of life’s detours, lost and directionless, turn around and retrace your steps. Find your way back to the Father.
I took a memorable walk on one of my first solo trips as a flight attendant. Leaving the hotel in a strange city, I took a wrong turn and found myself in an unsafe area. Once I recognized my mistake, I turned around and headed back to the safety of the hotel. Relief flooded me when I walked through the doors of my haven.
Turning back to God gives you a safe haven. No matter what led you astray, change direction, come back to the Father. Let His grace and mercy flood your soul with relief.
[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p.102) Thomas Nelson
