Isaiah 29:13: “Then the Lord said, “Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote (mechanical or habitual repetition).”
The Lord continues saying that He will remove the Israelites’ wisdom & discernment.
Jesus repeats this passage in Mt 15:8-9 & Mark 7:6-7. Jesus also illustrates that giving lip service w/out love derived action to others is also action less lip service against Him.
Yes, Jesus offended the Pharisees (Mt 15:12) w/this condemnation.
Can liturgy, creeds, & memorized prayers with excellent, biblical content become rote?
Do you worship God w/habitual repetition & lip service, or w/passion from the heart?
Do you love others as much as you love yourself & your favorites, or give only action less lip service to some?
