Israel = "God fights". Jacob's name is changed to Israel in today's OT reading. Somehow I do not recall ever understanding what the word "Israel" means. Just considering this makes a lot of OT happenings make a little more sense!
But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ [Matthew 12.7]
I found Jesus' wording interesting today regarding His disciples who had just picked grain on the Sabbath (a clear violation of well-established Sabbath Law - Commandment #4). The NLT interprets Jesus as having called them "innocent". Wow. No wonder the Pharisees and other religious leaders were so ticked with Jesus! Jesus did not even acknowledge guilt associated with their violation - regardless of whether there was a "new way" pending. It didn't seem to matter (to Jesus) that the Law EVER existed!
Hmm.
Father, I suppose I need to re-think my understanding of the Law and Your estimation of it. It seems the Law NEVER meant anything to You as You have evidently ALWAYS planned on Your Son fulfilling it!
No comments:
Post a Comment