Mark 7 - 12.18.24

Scripture

Mark 7:15 Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.

Observation

I need to focus more on washing my heart than washing my hands.

Application

Washing your hands before you eat sounds like good advice. But the Pharisees’ hand washing wasn’t for practical purposes, it was ceremonial. They were washing their hands to cleanse themselves from the “unclean” things (including people) they came in contact with. This was part of their focus on the outward - following rituals and elaborate rules instead of following after the heart of God.

Jesus challenged them. He explained that the rottenness or dirtiness didn’t come from outside, or what they came in contact with, but from inside. He was telling them that they should focus on washing their hearts.

Vs. 6 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.’”

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

 We all have a heart of sin. And the only solution is to ask God to wash us.

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for giving me a new heart. Thank you for your new mercies everyday. May I not grow complacent, following a prescribed schedule or list of boxes to check off instead of running hard after you. As I spend time in your presence and in your word, please continue to wash me clean. 

- Debbie Dunn