December 6, 2023

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE READING:

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1.27)

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, turn and tear you to pieces.” (Matthew 7.6)

TODAY’S REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD:

Reminding even myself that the framework of these reflections on the “Sermon on the Mount[ainside]” remains James 1.27, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless….and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” I offer this reminder because I weary of hearing a tired rebuke of religion. In earlier reflections, I have offered that “religion” in and of itself is not bad. It is the type, scope, focus and intent of one’s religion that is either good or bad. Further, I use the word “good” in the biblical sense of “that which accomplishes God’s will for the redemption of His people.” Obviously, then, a “bad” religion is one that is contrary to God’s will and seeks to lead His people astray. As we come to verse 7.6 there are two references used which will highlight the culture and climate of Jesus’ day which direct one’s attention to “bad” religion. Interesting that such references give a look back into an interpretation of old covenant relationships between God and humanity. Interesting as both references are revisioned in light of Jesus and His gospel. The references I mention are those of “dogs” and “pigs.”

Dogs, as the term is mentioned in Israel and in scripture, refers to two different images. One image is that of “Samaritans.” This group of people are known in Jesus’ day as “partial” Jews. They are seen as unclean because they do not follow the strict interpretations of the pharisaical law. Because of the many conquests of Israel in its history up to that point, intermarriage had challenged the culture and climate of the population. This is why “Samaritans” were so looked down upon. Their faith was strong but their “religion” was compromised. So, their faith was always questioned and doubted. Yet, we know stories such as “Good Samaritan” and the “Woman at the Well.” Even more telling is the story of the Canaanite (or Syro-Phoenician) woman who approached Jesus asking for her daughter’s healing. Jesus responded to the request, “Woman, don’t you know that I have been sent to the children of Israel. It is not right to feed bread to dogs before the children.” Matthew actually records the words of Jesus as “Don’t you know I was sent to gather in the lost sheep of Israel.” She replies with understanding and wisdom saying “Yes, but everyone knows that the dogs under the table eat the crumbs which the children leave behind.” Jesus recognizes the wisdom of what she said and grants her petition; her daughter is healed. So, in mercy, the righteousness of Jesus places a priority on the will of God over against the rule of societal law. It serves as the introduction of inclusion where even non-Jews will benefit from the love of God for all His people.

The other image which is drawn from the use of the term “dog” has to do with temple prostitution. Sadly, it was no secret that temple prostitution was practiced. Reading Ezekiel and Jeremiah raises the alert and the eyebrows of those outside the Temple. Scandals such as this remain sadly common in the life of the Church as well as other religions. A “dog” was the name for male prostitutes. We can hear the abomination of this practice as the Law takes an adamant stand against prostitution and homosexuality. The violation of the marriage code was one thing. The violation of one’s conduct in worship and in the “House of Prayer” is another. One can read in both applications of the word why it would be a problem. Both violate the code of righteousness before God and yet both could be redeemed and transformed not by the Law but by grace. To “support” them in their broken lifestyle would amount to entitling them total acceptance in the religious community without any accountability.

As for the reference to “pigs,” I will reflect on that tomorrow as the reasons for prohibition but also how the Christ community was challenged to change their views and expand the ministry of the gospel to one and all. Until then, shalom.

PRAYER IN LIGHT OF GOD’S WORD:

Father, You have revealed to us best in Jesus the Christ. By Him and Him alone shall we gain this eternal life and our place in eternal rest, living for You always. Show us more and by Your Holy Spirit instruct us in the way we should go, the truth we should reveal and the life we shall live with you forever. In Jesus’ name, we pray. AMEN.