Morning Moments

KNIT PICKING

Compare: Matt 12:1-8; Mk 2:23-28; Lk 6:1-5

"What in the world are they doing?" That's a question often asked when we see folks doing something we consider to be strange, unusual, or in violation of social customs. Perhaps a more important question would be "What are they doing in the world?" One thing is for sure, our pattern of life as believers should not match the pattern of this world (Rom 12:1-2). Jesus didn't fit, and neither did His disciples, nor should we. This event prompts several questions for me. Was this the first time these men had ever done such a thing? What prompted them to do it this time? What was the big deal?

The Field "corn fields" Mk 2:23; Lk 6:1

Mark 2:23 (NASU) And it happened that He was passing through the grainfields on the Sabbath,

The KJV refers to these as "corn fields," but the Greek word does not identify the crop. It simply indicates that it was a "sown field," or a field which had been planted, but not yet harvested. It coveys the same idea as our expression "grain."

Does this amount to changing the Word of God? Of course not! Would it be changing the Word of God to substitute a word for snow to a culture which does not have a clue as to what snow is? Let's suppose you are translating the Bible into the language of a people who were on an island surrounded by white sand. You are translating Isaiah 1:18, which says "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as sand." Does that correctly communicate the truth of the passage? Does that help the hearer to comprehend the meaning of the passage without in any way affecting the truth of the passage? Don't strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.

Bible languages have been dead for centuries, but other languages change every ten years. Besides, God, who inspired the Book has the ability to also preserve it. If a change affects truth, that's different.

At one time I was Vice Chancellor of a Bible College and Seminary. The Chancellor was a KJV only man and I am NOT! I study from the KJV and preach from the KJV, but to believe that the only inspired text didn't come to us until 1611 AD is ludicrus and a bit racist (that it only came to English speaking people).

He would however ocassionally lead in devotions reading from the Amplified Bible and say each time, "Now this is not a translation". One day I asked him to read the preface of the Amplied Bible where it is clearly stated that it is a translation.

My point is that there are always those who are bias because of preference or tradition and not because of truth. That was the religious elite that Jesus had to deal with and which sometimes we have to deal with too. One can be educated yet unenlightened. Paul used the example of those who esteemed one day above another and referred to them as "weaker" brethren. But one can also be a "weaker" brother by destroying the weaker over a day or diet or dozens of other things. Let us be careful. Don't let a translation keep you from truth.

We shall continue consideration of these texts this week, God willing.

BLESSINGS!