Our family has several rich traditions. The annual Ugly Christmas Ornament exchange is hilarious and quite competitive. Sherry nailed it last Christmas!
Many memories have been banked with our Fancy Red Formal Valentine’s Day Dinner. Backyard concerts have become a real thing with our kid’s music. And… with each child flying the nest and walking the aisle, we gather on our treeless treehouse for the “reading of the letters.” This emotional tradition usually has some heartfelt tears as we each read personal letters to the one about to take on the awesome challenge of marriage.
Each unique tradition is designed to cement and deepen relationships. THAT is what traditions are for.
What if we made more of the ugly ornaments than the laughter and people gathered on Christmas? What if the red food on Valentine’s Day was the focus – to the exclusion of those gathered at the table? What if having perfect sound was the driving force behind our backyard concerts? What if the actual treehouse was more important than those who gathered just before a wedding?
Those traditions, then, would transform into traditions from hell. And THAT is what’s happening in the unique verses of Mark 7:1-13. We’re diving into all of this on Sunday.
In the first century, there were religious folks who had taken commands and rich traditions, all designed for relationship with our Creator, and turned them into traditions from hell. Jesus had something to say. Dang. Salty! You gotta check this out as we gather on Sunday?
Are there ways we’ve settled for traditions without relationships? Jesus has something to say. This will be a great Sunday to invite a friend or two– especially those tired and exhausted by religion.
I’m pumped to teach. See you this weekend!
Blessings!
alan
p.s. – The new vision & mission of LifeBridge will be rolled out beginning Oct. 9th. Don’t miss this 5-week series we’re calling “Essentials.” I think you’re gonna want to be a part of what God is doing. In the meantime, please continue to anticipate, pray, serve, and give as we launch into new waters. It’s gonna be a great ride. Don’t miss it!