Devotional Gems by Jolene: Paradigm

Friday, February 17, 2017

Paradigm

PARADIGM

Part one of fourteen in Commanded “Holy Days” Importance Today series

Exodus 23:2a: “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.”

Paradigm [PARE-a-dime] is an idea, a concept, or theory. Once established, many swear that their believed paradigm is true. Convincing someone to change a paradigm isn’t easy. People usually cling to a standard from which all other beliefs originate.

For example, Acts 12:4b says, “Herod intended to bring Him out for public trial after the Passover.” The King James Version of the Bible mistranslated the Greek word “Passover” as “Easter”. From this one mistaken translation, Christians believe that God’s command to celebrate Passover does not mean them. (After all, Passover is Old Testament).

HOWEVER…

Moses instructs the people in Exodus 12:24-25, “Obey these instructions as a lasting ordinance for you and your descendants. When you enter the land that the LORD will give you as He promised, observe this ceremony [Passover].”

Leviticus 23:1-3 lists God’s instructions to Moses. “The LORD said to Moses, ‘Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are My appointed feasts, the appointed feasts of the LORD, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies. There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the Lord.’”

The USA enacted “Blue Laws” even before becoming a nation. One state at a time, laws forbade alcohol consumption, sporting events, lewd dress, and stores open for business on Sunday. Since that beginning, strict religious laws have relaxed. The Blue Law paradigm was successfully changed and embraced by most people.

Why not Google “Blue Laws” to see what remains in your state?

Those who strive to obey God never work on Sundays. They want to remain positioned under the blood of Christ’s covenant of grace believing that—in Christ—Gentiles (non-Israelites) are included under God’s covenant to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Galatians 3:28). We look forward to hearing Master Jesus say from Matthew 25:34: “Come, you who are blessed by My Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.”

Take Home Nugget

Christians are positive that Christmas and Easter are the holiest worship days of the year. Yet, neither are mentioned in the Bible. Now you understand how hard it is to change an established paradigm. God our Father has a different list of holy days for His kids to celebrate. See the lesson linked below.

Please return as we explore Commanded “Holy Days” Relevance Today series of devotions together.

Holy Father, Empower us by Your Spirit to learn truths from Your Word compared to our personal paradigms. We pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.