S) "13 “Then You came down on Mount Sinai,
And spoke with them from heaven;
You gave them just ordinances and true laws,
Good statutes and commandments."
Nehemiah 9:13 (NASB)
O) God is good. As simple as that sounds, the implications run deep and in that way, it's a fact that many Christians kind of overlook. God has our best interest in mind. As strict and difficult as the Old Testament law is, the truth of the matter is that those laws are still good for the subjects of God's kingdom. Those laws, ordinances, statutes, and commandments are all designed to preserve life, maintain relationships, cultivate love, and breed compassion. All of those laws are, in fact, a reflection of God's very character. Those laws are aimed at keeping us in the semblence of God's image, the image in which we were created.
A) The law is, however, terribly difficult to uphold. Thank God for sending Jesus! I was a goner a long, long time ago. In fact, contrary to what the world says about the innosence of youth, the Bible rightly teaches that I was born into sin and was guilty simply because I am a descendant of Adam. I certainly did my share of adding to that guilt, though, and it makes God's grace even sweeter when I acknowledge all of the ways I was found guilty. Take it a step further, though. God's grace provides mercy, so I am no longer guilty, but that same grace provides new life. In that new life, I am a new creation. As a new creation, I am now able to keep God's laws! I am able to maintain (at least for stretches), the image of God, being the man He created to be. I am able to bear His image.
P) Father, You are good. Your every motive is for my benefit. Reveal to me, Holy Spirit, all of the ways You are trying to bless me. Let that add to my faith and courage before You, and let that motivate me to uphold the righteousness that You have given to me. Let me honor Your name and Your image, being the man You created me to be. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
A) The law is, however, terribly difficult to uphold. Thank God for sending Jesus! I was a goner a long, long time ago. In fact, contrary to what the world says about the innosence of youth, the Bible rightly teaches that I was born into sin and was guilty simply because I am a descendant of Adam. I certainly did my share of adding to that guilt, though, and it makes God's grace even sweeter when I acknowledge all of the ways I was found guilty. Take it a step further, though. God's grace provides mercy, so I am no longer guilty, but that same grace provides new life. In that new life, I am a new creation. As a new creation, I am now able to keep God's laws! I am able to maintain (at least for stretches), the image of God, being the man He created to be. I am able to bear His image.
P) Father, You are good. Your every motive is for my benefit. Reveal to me, Holy Spirit, all of the ways You are trying to bless me. Let that add to my faith and courage before You, and let that motivate me to uphold the righteousness that You have given to me. Let me honor Your name and Your image, being the man You created me to be. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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