These are some of the last prophetic words before the
kingdom of Israel collapsed. Israel had forgotten the meaning behind the
ceremonial sacrifices and offerings; they had forgotten who God was and what He
had done to procure their success and salvation. It was too late for Israel,
their hearts were hardened and they had become apostate. However, true to His
compassionate nature, God promised to “heal their apostasy” (14:4).
But
go and learn what this means… (Matthew 9:13)
But
if you had known what this means… (Matthew 12:7)
The Pharisees challenged Jesus because He was eating with
sinners (9:13) and working on the Sabbath (12:7). In both cases, Jesus
challenged their loyalty to, and their knowledge of God. They had forgotten the
true purpose of the sacrifice and the Sabbath; to remember God’s compassionate
nature. Thus they were unprepared for the revelation that He was the healer of
Israel’s apostasy and the hope of ALL mankind. They were unprepared for EASTER.
During the Lenten season leading up to the remembering of
Christ’s death and resurrection, I hope that each of us will pause to remember
how God has personally intervened on our behalf. Through all of the pain and
challenges in our lives, there is good, there is hope, and there is God.
Remembering the Sabbath is more than just going to church
and taking a day of rest; it is remembering why we do what we do, and for whom.
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