My friend just couldn't bring herself to apply physical discipline to her children (spanking). She equated spanking with 'hitting' and "no one should ever hit anyone." Another friend struggled with the biblical concept of forgiveness thinking that it might give a person the idea that sin was ok. I once read a comment posted by a fellow on social media who justified his infidelity by saying, “there is no way that Jesus kept himself sexually pure.” The examples are endless of people who waiver in obeying God's word unless they can understand by using their personal reasoning or experience. However, just because they do not understand does not mean that God's instruction is without value or incorrect. In the 1990's the Ukrainian government saw value in introducing common Christians values from the Bible into its school curriculum. They recognized that moral teaching from the Bible would promote a better society. The reality is that God has provided instruction that is beneficial to people whether they see the wisdom in it or not; whether they believe in Jesus or not. In the 119th Psalm King David wrote of his love for God's word saying that he meditated on the Law of God. He observed: Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies;
I have more insight than all my teachers;
I understand more than the aged.
He was not boasting in himself, but expressing the timeless truth of God's word. He saw that by observing God's word he surpassed those who were generally considered wiser and more experienced. In my youth I vividly remember preachers pounding the pulpit: "God said it; I believe it; that settles it." "You don't have to understand; just obey." While at some level that is true, God has given considerable explanation so that we CAN understand why He gave His instruction. There are many examples in Scripture of people who obeyed and who disobeyed, each providing more reasoning for following God's instruction. If there is any conclusion to be drawn it is that God desires us to understand. Yet, simple obedience without understanding is far better than disobedience because of a lack of understanding. The thing to remember when you do not understand God’s instruction is that God has never been arbitrary. He is not playing games with mankind. Behind His instruction is purpose and reason. After all, He IS the creator of this stuff we call 'human.' He designed us; He knows us; He knows what is best for us. AND He loves us. So, even when we cannot see behind the curtain of understanding, disobedience is never justified by our lack of understanding. Disobedience never changes reality. Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
For she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
—Proverbs 3:13–15 (NIV)
We ought to strive for understanding. Yet, when we have unanswered questions regarding God’s word, we must trust. He truly knows what is best and supplies every need. Mark Stinnett
November 1, 2020
Some Christians have reasoned that the Old Testament contains the law for Israel and the Jews; the New Testament is law for Christians. As a result the Old Testament is not given high regard, and in many churches seldom studied.
Is that all the Bible is, an ancient law code with an update for Christians?
I think NOT!
The Apostle Paul said that the earlier writings were written for our instruction. Yet the Old Testament is still largely ignored by many Christians. Let me show you something that King David saw that just might change the way you look at the Law of Moses.
The Book of Psalms is sometimes described as Israel’s song book. The songs range from praises to prayer-cries for deliverance. They deal with physical discomfort, distress in many forms, depression, abandonment, and many other human issues. Over and over the Psalmists encourage humble faithfulness to the God who created, who knows, who provides, who delivers, who shepherds, who saves, who also destroys....
The Book of Psalms is not a law book; nor is it the Christian's ’go to’ book for doctrine. Not surprisingly, of the 150 psalms, only a few refer to the Law of Moses. However, one psalm is completely devoted to the Law. For that reason it stands out as quite unique.
Perhaps better known for its length, 176 verses, Psalm 119 is more important for its attention to the Law. In this psalm King David (the assumed author) saw something quite amazing in the Law.
In general, law is considered to be burdensome and restrictive, and that includes the Law of Moses. Law is composed of rules; it can be difficult to read and it is impossible to follow perfectly. Even so, the kings of ancient Israel were instructed to make a personal hand-written copy of the Law of Moses, the first five books of the Old Testament, and read and meditate on the Law daily.
Psalm 119 records what David saw in the Law. Yes, he saw the rules and ordinances, but in them he found refreshment, joy, freedom, peace, and deliverance. He recognized that God had not saddled His people with arbitrary rules. God had actually revealed His divine character within the Law of Moses.
King David saw the heart of God in the Law. He saw love and mercy and holiness and justice.
God's desire was to have fellowship with his chosen people. However, there was such a difference between Him, deity, and his people, humanity, that he needed to communicate to them how they could draw near to Him in fellowship.
Who is this God that opened Himself to the scrutiny of his created beings?
Who is this God that revealed his thoughts to mankind?
Who is this God that directed His people with instruction that would move them into a fellowship relationship with their Creator?
What King David saw in the Law? God himself!
When you pick up your Bible and read the Law, the historical narratives, the poetry, the prophets; as well as the parables and the doctrine and instruction of the New Testament...do you see only rules and restraints?
Look closer...!
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
--Proverbs 9:10
Mark Stinnett
