Vain Traditions

Oh the power of traditions.

To be clear, not all traditions are bad. In fact, many can be harmless and innocent. Others would have been – and are still today – wonderful gifts from the Creator. In fact, one could rightly say that things such as Sabbath Day observance and the celebrating of Father’s Feasts are His traditions. Ones that originated in His heart and were then given as a wonderful gift to His Family.

In Messiah’s words however, we see traditions that override and/or replace the Most High’s Ways. This is clearly where the trouble comes in. The beginning of verse 8 is the key as it begins with “neglecting the commandment of Elohim…” and then moves into the replacements that became instituted by men in their stead.

Although so many years removed, today is no different. So what about us? Have we repeated the same error, in any way? Have we too neglected and set aside Father’s Ways and erected our own? Are we simply repeating the cycle ourselves, as we are openly criticizing those who we read about today?

Many churches will condemn and pass sentence upon the non-believing Pharisees today yet miss that, in many ways, they’re repeating the exact same transgression. Let us all humble ourselves and peer deep inside all that we do and why. Is it remotely possible that Messiah could say the same words to any of us too?

Like me, surely you would never desire to nullify/void of all authority/invalidate the Word of the Most High today, right? This is bigger than us, friend. This is about Yahweh’s great Name! Let us humbly examine our ways as we go about our traditions today – and every day. And then? Let's willingly lay aside our own vain traditions and return to His. Selah.