Dirty Hands

 

Dirty Hands
Matthew 15:1-6

1 Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, 2 “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” 3 He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ 5 But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”— 6 then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. 

 

Let everyone examine their own conduct and heart. It is the heart that the Lord is watching regarding who we are individually. People may complain about all kinds of matters in life, but we must ponder on what is really important versus the things that are not a big deal. We must desire to be like Jesus as we read and study the scriptures. Our hearts must be purged so that our love and actions will be sincere, and Christ will be glorified.

The world has put people into different classifications based on what they deem is important and to separate the rich from the poor. They have programmed our minds to think according to the class that we fall under. This teaches people how they should think of themselves based on outward things that they have and who they may know to determine their value and worth. This creates all kinds of separatism, bullies, snobs, superiority, inferiority, and elitism among people and the list continues to grow.

This doesn’t make us a good person because we may have money, power, influence and may know people in high places. This is what Jesus was trying to teach the disciples who follow Him. The Pharisees and Scribes were religious people who knew the written law and they had the appearance of godliness outwardly. But their hearts were not clean and pure towards following God’s commandments. Yet they looked down on the disciples who did not wash their hands before eating. Yes, this is not sanitary behavior to eat before washing our hands, but according to Jesus that was not a heart issue meaning that He judges the heart of a person to understand them. Matthew 15:7-10 7 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8 ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”10 When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand.” 

Many people would probably frown upon a person who doesn’t have good etiquette, but they may have a kind heart, but show respect for someone who is well polished who have prestige and things that they can observe. This is how we often think about others who are not like us because of the mind programming that have shaped and formed our lives. This is not everyone who have been privileged, afforded the best opportunities only the persons who the shoe fits.

Jesus is speaking to our hearts about the things that others cannot see so that we will be clean on the inside and set free from the things that defiles us within. The Word of the Lord washes us clean. We must bathe in the Word by reading, studying, and meditating in it daily. This is the good news the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our status here in the earth will not save us. Our associations, organizations, memberships, plaques, awards, clot, titles, pedigree, etc. None of these things will add merit to our souls when we stand before Jesus on the day of judgement. Many people find security in the things of this world, but we the believer and follower of Christ have placed our faith in Jesus.

The hands of the disciples were found dirty when the Pharisee’s and Scribes observed their mannerism as they followed Christ. But none of that matter to Jesus because their worship for Him was real. They were willing to leave their homes, and families to serve and learn from Jesus what they must do to be saved and have eternal life. All the creature comforts that we cherish, they we’re no longer important to them because their eyes were opened to seeking the kingdom of God. This is the power of God moving in the lives of His chosen ones.

We have been called to serve God and come out of the world and renew our minds daily in the Word of the Lord. Our eyes will become open as our hearts hunger and thirsts for God’s truth and peace. He will give our souls a supernatural peace that will remain in us as we abide in Him. Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

When the power of God falls upon us, we will never be the same. Our walk will line up as the Word of the Lord says, Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. There will be no more looking back at the world systems and philosophies. The Father has found us worthy to draw us to His Son, Jesus. Now we must pursue the kingdom of God and surrender to the Holy Spirit. There is no other love, power, peace, joy, and blessed assurance that is greater than God almighty.

We must pray to be who God called and created us to be. We are bought by the blood of Jesus. Our souls have been saved to live for Christ. We are the redeemed of the Lord and His Word is our rock and solid foundation to stand on. We are the stones and Christ is the corner stone. We must lay our hearts and minds on the altar and let God be King on the throne of our lives. His ways are righteous and holy therefore, we must exalt Him and let His will reign.

Many have found temporary riches and happiness. That is where they have placed their faith in things. But those are perishable things that are made to return to the dust. We too shall return to the dust at the appointed time. Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread
Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.” The things that we do for Christ will be counted not our fame, prestige, and earthly applause. It would be better to be remembered as a servant like the disciples who were picked on for having dirty hands who followed Jesus than to gain the world and lose our souls.

           

 

Preparation

When the Lord reveal your gifts

Prepare yourself to be used by Him

He has the master plan written just for you

Don’t expect to always be of good cheer

Just get yourself in order to receive it

You must sacrifice your time to hear from Him

When you see the vision, or hear Him speak

Be faithful and receive His words for they are real

In due season you will see the fruit

Don’t let anyone distract you or tell you different

Being obedient to the Spirit of God is first

Be thankful for what He’s about to birth

ã2004 “Naima’s Inspirational Melodies”