Posted by Charlie on Nov 20, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: Matthew 5, 6, 7
And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.
Matthew 7:28-29
Observation
The Sermon on the Mount has to be one of the most amazing and challenging sections in all of Scripture. It concludes by saying that the crowds were astonished at Jesus’ teaching, which came with authority.
The law of Moses already had proven to be an impossible standard for people to keep flawlessly, and now Jesus came on the scene and essentially said, “You thought the bar was high? I’m going to raise it much higher!”
Application
So much higher, in fact, that it is impossible. The only person in history ever capable of fulfilling the standard set in the Sermon on the Mount is Jesus himself. Then he gave himself as a worthy sacrifice to pay my penalty for falling short of God’s righteousness.
As I seek Jesus daily and abide in his presence, allowing the Holy Spirit to change and mold my life, I have the opportunity to increasingly look like the person the Sermon on the Mount describes. And where I fail, I have the covering of his forgiveness.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for fulfilling the amazing standard you set in the Sermon on the Mount. I want to look more and more like you as I live each day. Please work in my heart today. I want to be able to experience the reality of “Blessed are the meek [praus], for they shall inherit the earth.” Amen.
Tags: law, righteousness, Sermon on the Mount
Posted by Charlie on Mar 14, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: Deuteronomy 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27; Galatians 4, 5
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Gal. 5:14
Observation
I recently had a conversation with a friend about the way Christians tend to cherry-pick from the Law of Moses, clinging to some pronouncements as valid for today, while conveniently ignoring others. The $64,000 question is, “How do we discern what is valid for our lives today from books such as Deuteronomy?” We say a hearty, “Amen!” to the laws regarding sexual immorality, for instance, but aren’t likely to cut off the hand of a woman who breaks up a fight by grabbing the attacker’s privates (Deut. 25:11–12).
Application
In Galatians Paul boldly declares that I have been set free from the bondage of the law (Gal. 5:1). That freedom, combined with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, is a gift from God so I might live out the fulfillment of the law, which Paul sums up in one sentence: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Is there value in reading Deuteronomy then? Absolutely! While some of the specific laws are foreign to my 21st century mind, the overriding principles found in the law never vary, and still apply to my day-by-day walk with God, as I follow the leading of his Spirit. God is concerned with justice and equity. He hates lying and dishonest scales. He has a design for my sexual expression that dates back to creation. He wants me to honor him first with all he entrusts to my stewardship.
All the “one anothers” outlined in scripture (love one another, be kind to one another, submit to one another, etc.) work together to fulfill the essence of the law. As I read Deuteronomy those are the things I’m hunting for.
Prayer
Father God, thank you for your love! As you live in my today grant that I would fulfill the law of love in all the relationships you have given me. Please empower me today to love well, and to apprehend your heart toward those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags: Grace, law, principles
