Hear the statutes and decrees . . . that you may live. (Deuteronomy 4:1)
In ancient times, God’s Law set the Israelites
apart. In his graciousness, he had given his chosen people a glimpse
into his mind and heart. He showed them how to live together in the
harmony and justice that reflected his glory. The Law made them unique
among the ancient peoples—their God was so close that he shared his very
thoughts and desires with them!
Today, as we consider God’s Law, we can see what a gift it is. Not
only does God tell us to love him and love our neighbor, but he also
tells us how to do it. What’s more, he gave us Jesus, who came to
fulfill the Law! Jesus showed that it really is possible to live a life
pleasing to God, a life that combines faithfulness to the commandments
with a radical openness to the Holy Spirit.
Thank God for the Spirit—and for his gifts of grace and mercy!
Without these, we would never be able to live the way God asks us to.
And while we’re at it, let’s thank God for Jesus, who shows us that
fulfilling the Law is not just a matter of keeping the rules. It’s also
about learning how to open ourselves to the Spirit so that we can grow
closer to the Lord and receive his grace. It’s giving the Spirit a
chance to change our hearts and minds, even as we try to change our
actions.
At its best, fulfilling the Law is all about being changed on the
inside. We look to the Spirit to help us put off our own preferences and
tendencies in order to begin to think and love as God does. What a
relief to know that when we feel weak and unable to obey, the Holy
Spirit is with us to help us! And what a relief to know that when we
fall, our Father is right there to pick us up and help us start afresh!
So don’t let the thought of fulfilling God’s laws overwhelm you. Just
take it one step at a time. And make sure that you are taking each step
with the Holy Spirit!
from wau.org
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