EXTERNAL RELIGION

 

Friday, January 7, 2022

 

EXTERNAL RELIGION

 

Luke 11:39-42

39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.

40 Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?

41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.

42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

KJV

 

What is rue? Ruta graveolens [L. strong smelling rue], commonly known as rue, common rue or herb-of-grace, is a species of Ruta grown as an ornamental plant and herb. It is native to the Balkan Peninsula. It is now grown throughout the world in gardens, especially for its bluish leaves, and sometimes for its tolerance of hot and dry soil conditions. It is also cultivated as a medicinal herb (famous in Ethiopia, where its local name "Tena adam"/Health for Adam), as a condiment, and to a lesser extent as an insect repellent. Ancients thought it sharpens the eyesight and dissipates flatulence.

 

So meticulous were the Scribes and Pharisees that they returned ten percent of their herbs and condiments to the Temple. It was a law and a rule – and it was visible and measurable. It could be demonstrated to anyone who questioned one’s religiosity. It quantified faith. Jesus was able to SEE this external religion, but He also saw the empty chambers inside. In another place, Jesus noted that these religious leaders loved to flaunt their works. He gave them a stern warning.

 

Matt 7:21-23

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

 

          These literally wore their religion on their sleeve! Their phylacteries held bits of scripture written on velum in a leather box tied with a leather strap on their foreheads to remind them to keep the law. But their heart was cold and void of true faith.

 

Dear Lord, let me not go about pointing out the flaws in others but let me search carefully for flaws in myself. Let me not sit suddenly on the judge’s seat for I will one day stand before the Judge. AMEN