God's Word For Today

Daily Devotional

Rituals

Read Mark 7:5–13

There is a story about a young woman who wanted to learn how to cook. She was taught by her mother to cut off an inch of the roast at each end before placing it in the pan. When the daughter questioned the reason for this step, her mother said she had learned the recipe from her own mother and this is how it was done. Sometime later, the daughter discovered that the grandmother did this unnecessary step because her roasting pan was too small.

The Pharisees had added many rituals and useless requirements for the Jewish people to follow. Their legalistic teachings were diminishing God’s Law.

He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me’” (Mark 7:6).

Habits may have been incorporated into our religious life that have nothing to do with spiritual truth. Prayers may be mindlessly repeated multiple times, in hopes that a desired outcome will be attained. Empty rituals or words will not save us.

Prayer Suggestion: Lord, help me to serve and worship You in truth with a heart of integrity.

Quicklook: Mark 7:6–8