Luke 11:37-41
One of the classic gags from the old “Candid Camera” show was the bit with Fanny Farmer driving a car into a gas station to see what was making a noise in the engine. The mechanic lifted the hood to find there was no engine in the car at all. It’s a funny bit for a show but it is a sad reality for many people’s faith. They may look great on the outside, but inside they are empty.
In this passage Jesus is dining with a Jewish priest, a man well schooled in all the rituals of religion. What surprises the Pharisee? What is Jesus’ response? What does verse 40 mean to you? How are we made spiritually clean (verse 41)?
As I stated yesterday, there is nothing inherently wrong with tradition or ritual. Many people, me included, find comfort and the ability to focus by performing a familiar act or rite. I wear a cross around my neck, not as a lucky charm, but as a constant reminder that Jesus is with me. I find it easier (not necessary) to pray in a certain place and in a certain order – praise, thanks, confession, requests. Hospital visits are more comfortable for me after I have said a specific prayer in my car before entering the hospital.
The danger of ritual and habit is that these things can lose meaning. Mumbling through The Lord’s Prayer because it is something you have memorized, but no longer recall what it means, is pointless. Reciting creeds as if you are racing your neighbor to finish first is equally pointless.
On the outside such behavior can look very pious and holy. Externally our cup may seem sparkling clean. But if all we do in worship and in faith exercises is done from rote memory and has no meaning, then our insides – our souls – are not at all clean.
Knowing where to sit in church, knowing how to dress for church, knowing the order of the books of the Bible, reciting The Lord’s Prayer (even if you are the first one done) does not necessarily mean you are a good and Godly person. Jesus suggests that we give what is inside to the poor and then all is made clean. If we give our heart and our mind, our passions and our values to doing what benefits the needy, then we need not go through a ritual bath to be pure. Our soul will be right where it needs to be.
DAILY CHALLENGE: Is the inside of your spiritual cup as clean as the outside? Pray that God will help you to be clean.
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