THE VERY REASON GOD MADE HIS RULES
- Key Verse
- Jesus said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." (Mark 2:27)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
God didn't create people just so somebody could follow His rules. He established His rules and principles to benefit the people He loves!
Reflections
While some people give the Pharisees a bad rap, this religious group was truly devoted to following God's rules. The problem, as Mark 2 shows us, was that the Pharisees had forgotten the reason behind the very rules they loved.At the end of the chapter, Jesus' followers get in trouble for munching on a little grain they plucked on the Sabbath day. Because the Sabbath was set aside by God for rest (including not harvesting crops), the Pharisees felt the disciples were working a little too hard on that special day. But Jesus knew that they were missing the point of God's Sabbath rule. And His response impacts how we view all of God's commands.
After reminding the Pharisees that even David had seemingly broken some rules to feed his starving men, Jesus continues with a profound observation: "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." (Mark 2:27) In other words, God didn't first make the Sabbath rule and only then create somebody to follow His rule! Instead, God loved people enough to give them rules that He knew would be a blessing.
Like the Pharisees, I've always been a big fan of rules. My personality makes me a natural follower of rules -- whether they come from God, my parents, the instructions in a board game, or anywhere else. So when I came across this verse during college, POW! God showed me I was more focused on "keeping the rules" (even grudgingly) than on the blessings He offers through those commands.
Whether God is telling me to read the Bible or to be kind to my enemies, to fight for purity or refuse to be dishonest, those rules (and all the other ones) aren't simply "my duty as a Christian" or just "valuable advice." Instead, I can (and should!) get excited about following God's rules because God made them for me, to bless my life and the lives of others.
So even when I can't completely understand how God's rules are good for me, I can count on one thing: That's the very reason God made them!
Discussion Questions
1. What does this interesting statement by Jesus really mean: "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath"?
2. What do you think motivates you most to follow God's rules? Personality? Habit? Fear? Pleasing other people? Or something else?
3. Which of God's rules have proven to be true blessings for your life?
4. Are there any rules you're struggling to believe God really made for your own good?
WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY
MATTHEW 26-MARK 2 (FEBRUARY 6-10)
Read Matthew 26:69-75.
* What happens when Peter is asked if he knows Jesus?
* How many times does he deny knowing Jesus?
* Why do you think Peter denied knowing Jesus?
* What does he say flashes through his mind when he hears the rooster crow? (Check out Matthew 26:31-35)
* Have you ever done something that you said you would never do?
* All of us are capable of making wrong decisions. What can we do to protect ourselves from choosing the way that is "easier" or that keeps others from making fun of us?
* What should we do when we make wrong decisions?
* What does God offer us if we confess our sins? (See 1 John 1:9)
* Did you know that Jesus restores Peter after Peter's denials and uses him to help start and lead the early church? (See John 21:15-19 and Acts 2:14-41)
Activity: Take time to think about places where you might be tempted to deny knowing Jesus or to choose something that you know is wrong because you don't want to be made fun of. Now, as a family, look for a verse that you can memorize that will help you to stand firm and make a decision that will glorify God.
Kp
February 10, 2012 06:31 AM
Thanks for your dev. and questions. I once heard the idea of the Sabbath likened to "date night"- special time with the one we love which is meant to keep our relationship special and important. I loved that! Answer to Q2 used to be my personality and growing up in a "because I said so" household but I have found that since becoming a parent, I now see clearer that God's rules are for my protection. I now try to convey not just the rule but the logic behind it. However, my daughter does get a little tired of hearing "I love you too much to let you... "(insert daily lesson she half way listens to here)!
Chuck
February 10, 2012 06:42 AM
Rules, rules, rules....reminds of the song in the 80's, "do this, don't do that, can't you read the signs". Jesus brings abundant life and the fruits of the spirit. Today we should all Micah 6:8. And act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with the Lord.....if we do the world will see love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control! Great job Benson
Larissa V
February 10, 2012 08:15 AM
Love it! Love being reminded that the Lord doesn't desire for us to live in our own rules created world... but in his freedom. Good times indeed.
Sue Bohlin
February 10, 2012 08:49 AM
Wow wow wow wow wow, Benson! What a GREAT devo!! I absolutely *loved* how you explained that God's rules are given to bless us, not to give us a performance hoop to jump through! I also loved how Jesus does "spiritual chiropractic" on the out-of-alignment thinking about the Sabbath (like He does in other places about the heart of His Father, the Law, history, and how to live a life pleasing to God). When we understand that God gives the "Sabbath rest" to us as His loving gift for us to reboot, be refreshed and restored, then we can avoid the silliness that an emphasis on rules can lead to. I know someone who worked in a hotel that catered to Orthodox Jews. On Sabbath days, her job was to stand in the elevator and press the buttons so the guests wouldn't violate their understanding of the no-work-on-the-Sabbath hoop. This completely misses the Father's heart to give the blessing of rest to His children!
Todd Wagner
February 10, 2012 08:52 AM
Axing how many other things could fit into Jesus' brilliant statement and be correct and how even today so many struggle with Phariseeism. Worth remembering.... Man was not made for communion (especially the way people today think we are suppossed to do it-with juice and crackers-as if that is what Jesus used-every week in solemn corporate setting) but communion was made for man (done with a heart that remembers and reflects on the kindness of God-no matter what your specific meal is at any given moment) Man was not Made for sex (so don't be a slave to its call and exploitive seductions) but sex for man (so enjoy it and use it the way that leads to life not death and despair) Man was not made for acts of service but acts of service were made for men (as a way to give him dignity-meaning-joy) Man WAS made to enjoy God and His glory not God for man who therefore has to be manipulatedof conjoled into doing our whim so we could be happy our way.
Stephanie Lee
February 10, 2012 08:55 AM
Benson, Thank you for relaying this message in an understandable way. I loved hearing your insight regarding following God's rules to bless others. It's so easy to follow them just because we know that is what we should do.
Courtney V
February 10, 2012 09:09 AM
Thanks, Benson. What an encouraging reminder of how much God loves me. Great job.
David Morrison
February 10, 2012 01:00 PM
Benson, Love it man. Well done. Really enjoyed reading your entry today. As a guy who likes to break rules most of the time this was a great reminder for me. Very well done friend.