WITHOUT EXTREMES

Devotional for Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Morning Matthew 15:1-6

Noon Psalm 15

Evening Colossians 2:16-23

Throughout history there have been two opposing, extreme views regarding the observance of the Sabbath which have distorted the purpose for which God established the day of rest. On the one hand, there is antinomianism, a word composed of the prefix "anti" which means "against" and the word “nomos” which means "law". This belief is held by those who oppose the validity of God's moral law and who have no interest in the observance of the Sabbath. They believe that the Sabbath was instituted exclusively for the Jews and not for believers today.

On the opposing side, we have the Pharisees and all those like them, who for fear of neglecting the Sabbath, filled it with extra-biblical rules and regulations, making it a burden and not a delight. Both extremes are wrong. Although it is true that the ceremonial laws relating to the sabbaths were fulfilled in Christ and that Christians today are not required to keep them, the Bible does establish that the seventh-day Sabbath must be observed for the glory of God and the benefit of our souls.

Written by Eliudel González, translated by Maria Elena Cardona

S.M.

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Morning Matthew 15:1-6

1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,

2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;

6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Noon Psalm 15

1 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

Evening Colossians 2:16-23

16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;

22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

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Prayer Guide: [Panamá-Buena Vista] and [Panamá-Olá]

March's challenge: Do everything possible so that your life can be a visible testimony to all men as Christians living in the likeness of Christ. Everyday, praise your Creator. Keep a constant praise on your lips. Listen to Christian praise and worship music with your family. Go to Church, not only to be a spectator, but a worshiper. Worship as you pray, worship as you read the Bible, worship in your illness, always worship.

Annual Bible reading: 1 Samuel 9, 10, 11