Daily Devotionals for Women - Today's Encouraging Word from Scripture

TRUSTING RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS

We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from. John 9:34

The Pharisees are reaching hard for evidence to discount the blind man’s miracle. They name-drop the name of Moses, using him as a means to dismiss the miracle standing in front of them. Even though, weeks earlier, Jesus had reminded the Pharisees that Moses had written about Him. He had said that if they really knew Moses, they would recognize Him. Their memories are short. Their deception is working manifesting itself with desperate claims. Their need to discredit Jesus takes precedence over any shred of truth.

Many ministries have been destroyed by a leadership who clings to the traditions of the past. They wrongly assume that the blessing of their forefathers was rooted in particular methods that were used. Believing the traditions to be holy ground, they align themselves with them as if doing so was a life and death issue. They fail to realize that though the Gospel doesn’t change, methods change according to the culture. It never occurs to them that the reason their organization flourished in the past was due to the breath of the Spirit and the single minded hearts of the leaders.

Leadership in many churches and ministries will make pious claims. “We do things this way because that’s the way it’s always been done. We’re true to our founding fathers.” This is as tragic as the Pharisees claiming to follow Moses. Here’s the irony. If Moses had been there in the flesh on that day, he would have been worshipping at the feet of Jesus. Would that have silenced their blasphemy? The disease of deception is pervasive. Most likely, they would have then questioned the identity of Moses!

Those who are threatened by Christ will fight to the end to deny His truth. The excuses they embrace are clear and pathetic to the one who is witnessing of Christ’s glory. However, there is no nailing them down to truth. When cornered, even when speechless and void of arguments, they will pick up stones to stone to messenger. The only remedy to such blindness is the Spirit of Jesus putting mud on the eyes of those who can’t see. This story comes full circle, even in spiritual realms.

Show me how to make this ministry culturally relevant yet honoring to You. I embrace you, Jesus, and want to show Your face to my world. Reveal new methods, perfect for the times.

For more from Christine Wyrtzen and Jaime Wyrtzen Lauze, please visit www.daughtersofpromise.org