“When the Lord brought back the captive to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations. ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126: 1-3.
There are occasions that the Lord has established as holy days which have become traditions. The dictionary defines traditions as: an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought or action; the handing down of beliefs and customs by word of mouth or by example without written instruction. Exodus chapter 12 is a good example of God instituting a holy day.
A detailed account of God’s instructions to Moses and Aaron in Egypt developed the tradition of Passover. This holy day celebrates Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and reminds people of the great things the Lord has done. Older generations should teach younger people the religious significance of certain holy days and form family traditions.
In Matthew 8:10 Jesus says, “’I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.’” This meant the religious Jews lacking faith, entrenched in their religious traditions could not accept Jesus and his message for Gentiles too. We must realize God’s promises are for everyone.
We learn in Matthew 15:1-3, “Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, ‘Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders?’ . . . Jesus replied, ‘And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your traditions’”? Hundreds of religious traditions were added to God’s laws over time. The Pharisees and teachers treated all of them equally. Traditions should be used as an aid in understanding God’s laws, but not become laws in themselves. God’s principles are firm and his law does not need any additions. In Mark 7:8, 9 we hear how the Pharisees tried to force people to follow all these religious traditions.
Paul revealed in Galatians 1:14, “I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.” All this changed when God called Paul to preach about Jesus after his conversion.
Paul condemned those who taught humanity, not Christ as the answer to life’s problems. Colossians 2:8 reads, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy which depends on human traditions and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”
We must approach life’s problems in a consistent manner: use your mind; keep your focus on Christ; and read and study God’s Word.
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