The Value of Ritual

The first five books of the Bible, known as the Pentateuch, invite us into the ceremonial rites of a struggling people. Through their God-given regulations for worship, instructions for building the tabernacle, rules about offerings and sacrifices, and laws for daily life, we learn about the value of ritual.

The books of Moses show why we pass our traditions on to succeeding generations. Elders impart the meaning and oversee the observance of rituals, ensuring that younger generations do not forget their heritage and become culturally bankrupt, or worse, pervert their traditions.

In the modern world, we often participate in rituals without considering their prescribed patterns and the significance behind them. We work our way through births, graduations, weddings, deaths, holidays, and reunions with well-worn habits. We have a vague inkling of the penalties of missing out on these important events. But we need to embrace the rituals of these moments and the values they represent.

Taken from The Modern Life Study Bible