God’s word lays out a pretty clear path for us to follow. What we should do, what we shouldn’t do, and the consequences that we can expect.
Many people’s understanding of scripture stops there – a list of “dos and don’ts.” A little digging proves this to be a very superficial interpretation of God’s directives.
And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. (Deut 28:2 ESV)
Of course, some people are just chasing the prosperity gospel, and others are looking for a reason to discredit or marginalize the Bible’s message.
While Deuteronomy might contain a number of the rules and the accompanying consequences and blessings that ancient Israel received to set them apart from other nations, the rest of the Bible shows us the deeper function of the law.
Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,4 You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.8 I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
11 I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you. (from Psalm 119:1-11 ESV)
We are not on our own in following scripture. God’s word will shine the light on the best path and keep our way pure. Through meditation, delighting in his word, remembering it, longing for God and time with Him, then our steps become more sure. He walks this path with us.
but with great compassion I will gather you. (Isaiah 54:7b)
but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,”
says the Lord, your Redeemer. (Isaiah 54:8)
God knows that the law is beyond our reach as sinful humans. That’s the whole point. We can’t do it on our own. He doesn’t expect us to, and He made a way.
The precious and awesome miracle baby born in Bethlehem as written about in Matthew 2, showed us a better way that would be paid for with His own blood.
Father God, thank you for making clear how we should live and love. Help me not to build and altar and go on my way, but keep bringing me back to your word, your example, your commands. Thank you for your sacrifice that was enough when I could never be. Thank you for your compassion and love and may it overflow through my life to those around me. In Jesus name, Amen.
Sixty-six books in a year 