March 15, 2009
How do you view God’s law?
I heard a story once about a brand new principle at an inner city school in New York. When she arrived at the school her first day, and notices a huge fence surrounding the school yard where the children were playing. Appalled by apparent the freedom these children were being denied, she immediately ordered the custodians to remove the fence before the next school day. When she arrived the next day, she was perplexed. The children, instead of running and playing and enjoying their new found freedom, were all huddled by wall – not playing at all. When asked why they were not playing, she was told they were afraid to. You see, the fence, which to the principle looked confining, was the protection that gave the children the freedom to play and have fun at school. Without it, they were open to all kinds of violence and danger from their neighborhood.
How do you view God’s law?
Often times, we view God’s law in much the same way that this principle viewed the fence – as something that is confining and takes away our freedom. In this week’s readings God reveals to us how HE views His law and what in can and CAN’T do for us. Take a look!!
God’s law begins with God’s Word and God’s actions.
“And God spoke all these words: "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”
Those words alone give credence, authority, and reason to obey them. But God didn’t stop there; He wants us to see His law as more than just a bunch of confining commands. Look at the beautiful words God uses to describe His law and the benefits that are ours when we obey them:
“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”
Yet, no matter how great His law is and what benefits we get from obedience here on earth, only perfect obedience to His law brings salvation - and that is something that we can never do, no matter how hard we try. Paul reminds us it is in CHRIST and His perfect obedience to God’s commands, that brings salvation and it is in CHRIST that we boast:
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:18&30
Our salvation begins with God’s Word and ends with Jesus’ actions on the cross and in the empty tomb.
"What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?" Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days” John 2:18-19
Jesus obedience to the cross brought us life – do we need any more reason to give Him our obedience?
Prayer: Father, thank you that you loved us enough to give us your law to protect us here on earth and to give us Jesus to give us eternal life. Reveal Yourself and Your love to us in your law and in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In Jesus name AMEN
Church Season –
Third Sunday in Lent
Week ending: MARCH 8, 2009
Monday – (Old Testament)
Exodus 20:1-17
And GOD spoke – I AM YOUR GOD – I brought you out of slavery!!
Tuesday – Psalm 19
Take a walk outside and listen to God’s world and contemplate its beauty and then PRAISE GOD
Wednesday –(Epistle)
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
We preach CHRIST crucified – His obedience brought us out of the slavery of sin and is our rock and salvation.
Thursday – (Gospel)
John 2:13-22, 23-25
Contemplate the empty tomb – and rejoice that it’s enough for your salvation
Friday – REFLECT
How has God changed your thinking about His law and His Gospel?
Saturday – SHARE - your reflections with others
Sunday – As you worship –
Rejoice in Jesus and HIS perfect obedience
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