Now it happened that Jesus was passing through some grainfields on a Sabbath, and His disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” And Jesus, answering them, said, “Have you not even read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him, how he entered the house of God, and took and ate the consecrated bread, which is not lawful for anyone to eat except the priests alone, and gave it to his companions?” And He was saying to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Luke 6:1-5 NASB
I am not a rule freak. I believe in law and order and appreciate policy, process, guidelines, and yes… some rules. I acknowledge that rules are generally helpful. Our household had written and unwritten ones when the kids were growing up. But, ever so often, those ‘in charge’ get off base and make dumb ones. That was happening in the first century. In what was conceived as an attempt to be holy, the ‘Rule Freaks’, (Pharisees) had all kinds of restrictions about what you couldn’t do on Saturday. And plenty of exemptions for themselves. So when then saw Jesus’ friends eating a little granola snack as they walked through the fields, they got upset and challenged Him. Now, can you picture this… they are challenging the Maker of heaven and earth, the ultimate Law Giver, God in a bod, the incarnate Son of God, about what is right and wrong. So, as is classic with Jesus, he gives them precedent from King David’s actions (someone they revere) noting that Necessity is an excuse to break manmade rules.
How am I living a life that is devout, yet Spirit led? In what ways am I too judgmental?
God, I feel like I live a free life in Christ. Yes, I know the rules. And You have made my heart desire them. For that I am grateful. Help me always walk in a manner pleasing to You. But, when necessary, give me wisdom to break the rules! Now, let’s go take on the day!
