"And he said, 'It is what comes out of a person that defiles...'" - Mark 7: 20.
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| Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com |
Reflecting on Jesus' words in Mark 7, the Lord is very clear
that God had spoken to the prophet Samuel when he was commissioned to anoint
the new king of Israel, from among the sons of Jesse. "Do not look on his
appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for
the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but
the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7). The Lord directed the prophet to anoint the ruddy young
shepherd boy David, who was out tending sheep, to become God's appointed
shepherd king over Israel, His chosen people.
The Pharisees and the Jews had been focused on the many
traditions that Moses had entrusted to Israel. They forgot the spirit of the
Law, which was God's relentless Love for His people. He gave the Laws, so that
they would not sin in their hearts and stray from Him to follow the pagan
gods. In this gospel account, Jesus is
clear that it is what lies within the heart of a man that defiles.
A beautiful
reminder of St Paul's principle to godly joy in Philippians 4:8: "Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." If I am to keep my heart pure and dedicated to God, it is of utmost importance that I keep my mind focused on things that are true, honorable, just and pure.
Let me close with this beautiful worship song by Brian Doerksen, Purify My Heart.
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold
Refiner's fire,
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin, deep within
Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will
Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will
Songwriters: Brian Robert Doerksen
Purify My Heart lyrics © Mercy Vineyard Publishing, Vineyard Songs (canada)
Reflection on Mark 7:1-23 by Chris Tan
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