Religion was created by man, for man. While it may offer comfort, meaning and guilt relief to many, it is unnecessary. The God of Israel is not moved. He desires unhindered fellowship with mankind, a broken union restored by the shed blood of His Son. See how He woos us in Jeremiah 9:24:
Let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight, says the LORD.
We can know and understand Him by knowing His Son, who paid the ransom price for our sin. When we receive the Son we receive the Spirit, who makes the Word come to life. By reading the Word we are introduced to God's nature and ways. We learn how to please Him, like obeying His commandments and honoring His appointed times (biblical feasts), which point to Messiah. The LORD says in Jeremiah 22:15-16 that Josiah, king of Judah, knew Him because he followed after His ways, practicing kindness, justice and righteousness. God delights in relationship, not religion. He is satisfied only when our regenerated heart and mind are one with His.
Posted by Jeff King at October 11, 2007 08:14 AMVery well said Jeff!!
“Now is the time to walk away from the traditions of men and turn back to the ways of Elohim.”
Posted by: Rick Gozhanskij at October 22, 2007 05:56 PM