Readings for today: Deuteronomy 4-7
“Listen, Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! You must love the Lord your God with your whole mind, your whole being, and all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5 NET)
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 is the most important verse in the Jewish canon. It is known as the Shema and it is recited daily by faithful Jews all over the world and throughout history. It is the core statement of their faith. It summarizes the greatest commandment of them all. Jesus Himself will cite it when asked which commandment is the greatest. But how does one live it out? How does one love the Lord with all one’s mind, being, and strength? This is where the law of God comes in. God doesn’t leave us to wonder about His will. He is specific. He is direct. He is clear. The way we live in this world and the commands we follow determine whether or not we truly love God. It’s why Jesus says, “If you love Me, you will obey My commandments.” It’s not about earning God’s love, it’s about showing God how much we love Him.
What is the purpose of the law of God? A great question. One that’s been asked throughout the centuries. And there’’s not one answer. The law was given to restrain human evil. Just a cursory glance at history reveals the depth of depravity human beings are capable of and it’s terrifying. God sees it all and knows it all and gives us His law so that justice and righteousness will be clearly defined, giving us no excuse. The law was also given to train us in righteousness. Not just a list of “do nots”, it provides us a clear roadmap on how to live a life that glorifies and pleases God. It also lays out the blessings of obedience for all who commit their way to the Lord. Finally, the law of God was given to point us to Christ. None of us can fulfill the law’s demands perfectly. And for those who try, a deep sense of learned helplessness sets in. We know we fall short. We know we aren’t perfect. We know we are guilty. And this points us to our need for a Savior.
Now I know a lot of people reject the law of God today. Even Christians. They point to archaic and obscure regulations regarding the mixing of fibers or the eating of shellfish as examples of the absurdity of following an ancient near east law code in the 21st century. But such protests entirely miss the point. There are definitely laws in the Old Testament that are time-bound to civil and religious life of ancient Israel. But the moral law, embodied by the Ten Commandments, is clearly still in effect. God never wavers on His commitment to His law which is why Jesus deepens and expands on it in His famous Sermon on the Mount. He essentially restates the moral law of the Old Testament and intensifies it for His followers. In this way, it still fulfills the original purpose for which God created it.
Readings for tomorrow: Deuteronomy 8-11