59. A Walk With Jesus pt 6

One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grain fields, and as His disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. The Pharisees said to Him, "Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?" Mark 2:23-24

Ceremonial acts of religion must never proceed our duty to give way to moral obligations. The Pharisees were so caught up in performance rituals that they neglected to show mercy on the hungry travelers. This by the way was not an unlawful thing to do, only a misinterpretation of what was. To work (earning a wage) was unlawful, while eating to fill your stomach was not.

He answered, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions." Mark 2:25-26

Here David broke the law, but it was not to spite God, he was hungry and running for his life for the king was out to kill him. (1 Samuel 20-21)

Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." Mark 2:27-28

Application:
"The Sabbath was made for man," This day was intended for rest, a day of festivity, a break from work and drudgery, a day of worship to God. Here Jesus reminds us of this fact, the day was made for blessing man. Are you resting in the love of God this day? Are you finding your burdens lifted under his care? Does your soul speak to you in peace saying, "It is well."? If not, then why not? The Lord offers an easy load and attaches no burdens to it, His offer of peace of mind, and mercy, and rest are for all who believe. What is in our hearts holding us back from his grace? Search your heart, and turn back to God, seek Him and have understanding, then let the peace of God cover you.