All human turbulence occurs as a result of our rejection of God and His truth. Because of the imperfection brought about by sin, we find ourselves separated from our Creator and at odds with His purposes. We are born into such turbulence.
Some believe that God’s Law given through Moses to the Jews stands against God’s grace in Jesus. This is false. If we fairly look at the one woven story of the Bible, it begins with 10 chapters in Genesis describing the condition of mankind resulting in world-wide destruction through the flood. In His grace God appoints Abraham to bring faith connection to the world. After 420 years in the bondage of Egypt, part of God’s deliverance for His chosen people is to provide God’s Law to set them free from internal bondage.
Jesus was crystal on this:
“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:17-19
So – each of the big ten are given to set us free from areas which control us. They were given to return us to the path of God – the story of the entire Bible. Consequently, God’s Law is a part if His grace.
“For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the heart of the Father, He has explained Him.” – John 1:17-18
So what?
It is typical to look at God’s commandments as a series of thou shalt nots, and this is understandable. When the Law was given through Moses the Hebrews (Jews) had grown up 420 years in Egypt. They did not know how to live for God.
Jesus has been the center message of the Word of God since before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:20). If we reject the part of the Story which gives us the Law, we undermine the grace and truth brought to us in Jesus.
Where do you stand on God’s holiness? What does it have to do with us?
How accountable do you feel to Father God? What does this look like for you?
Why does the Law matter to us?
√ How can we experience connectivity with God? Through sacrifices? By being a good person? By being religious? Check this out. Very clear related to law and grace:
“With what shall I come to the Lord and bow before God on high? Shall I come to Him with burnt offerings or with my young calves? Does the Lord take delight in thousands of rams sacrifices or in ten thousand rivers of oil? Would it do any good even if I offered up my firstborn for my rebellious acts, the very fruit of my body offered for the sins of my soul? He has told you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:6-8
We find freedom through the sacrificed blood of Christ. We understand our bondage through the Law of Moses. The good news means little without the bad news. Just as God offered humanity freedom and identity through His law, He does so in the fulfilled Gospel of Christ. We find ourselves by losing ourselves. Right?!
√ Which of God’s ten commands are most ready to your mind?
√ How did Jesus encapsulate God’s law? (Matthew 22:36-39)
√ Review all of God’s “thou shalt nots.” What freedoms comes from each – for ourselves and others?
Pursuing freedom with you!
Dave and Burnadette
Related Links:
Spacious Places
Psalm 19 Song