God’s laws are good

‘So then, whoever disobeys even the least important of the commandments and teaches others to do the same, will be least in the Kingdom of heaven. On the other hand, whoever obeys the Law and teaches others to do the same, will be great in the Kingdom of heaven. I tell you, then, that you will be able to enter the Kingdom of heaven only if you are more faithful than the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees in doing what God requires.’ (verses 19,20)

Read Matthew 5:17-20

It’s always wrong to break God’s law, and it’s equally wrong to tell others it doesn’t matter. There are many people who don’t like God’s commands, but that doesn’t give them the right to alter or dismiss them. Remember, God has the final say. Why not join the psalm writer and praise God for giving his commands to you: ‘How good you are-how kind! Teach me your commands’ (Psalm 119:68).

God’s laws are good, and they will never be a thing of the past, no matter what people say or do. They show us what we are meant to be and how far away from it we are.

Jesus reflects the pure heart of the lawgiver, and during his life on earth he became the perfect law-keeper. He was able to do what you can’t do, and he did it to perfection. By taking your sins on himself and giving himself as the perfect sacrifice for them, he now has the power to declare you perfect before your heavenly Father. That means you are now living in his perfection. No wonder the Bible calls our God the God of grace.

Heavenly Father, your laws show me how sinful I am. Forgive me for being the kind of person I am. Help me to trust in Jesus’ forgiving love. Amen.

By Len Tscharke, in “Refreshment for each day” (LCA, Openbook Publishers (2003)

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