Oh Goodie, the Law (Feb 8)

" Therefore, no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin."  Romans 3:20-NIV

Here we are 3 months into the journey out of Egypt; God "on eagles' wings" carried Israel, and is now continuing to be  faithful, guide, protect, and feed the swarm of humanity.

God directs obedience for the nation to be his treasured possession.  God goes on to state that the whole world is His, but to God, Israel will be "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."

Jesus is: "declared a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek" Hebrews 7:17-NIV.  We, as Christians are to be Christlike; therefore, one can consider that ...
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" 1 Peter2:9-NIV 

As you read the Law over the next few weeks, realize that we are grafted, via Christ, into Israel; and as such are "a kingdom of priests" and as a result, it behoves us to be aware of the law so that we, being Spirit led, need to be concious of sin.  "What shall we say, then?   Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?  By no means!  We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"                                          Romans 6:1-2-NIV

The above may motivate you to persevere over the next few weeks when we study the law, some of the law is brutal.

Read and if possible, rememorize the Ten Commandments, but if that is too much to memorize, then memorize this: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind...Love your neigbor as yourself.  All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments"  Matthew 33:37b-40 NIV

Consider God's wisdom, kindness and love instructing the construction of limits around the mountain, setting it aside as holy; to avoid the punishment of death by touching the mountain.

God is for all, he commanded that his altar be built of plain, undressed stones; for the altar would be defiled if dressed stones were used.

In addition, God gave directions to use ramps to the altar, not stairs; "Lest your nakedness be exposed on it."

As one can see from this altar in Dan, Northern Israel, Steps were used.  God's instructions were not followed here.

Read in Chapter 21 about the payment due the owner of a slave in the event of a bull goring the slave: 30 Shekels of silver.

Hmmmmmm...Who else was sold to death for 30 Shekels?



Thoughts:

What attributes of God do you consider in today's reading?

What might you be hiding in darkness that should be brought into light?

How do you feel about the blessing of living under grace vs. law? 

God came for all, are you inviting others?




Pray for time management skills, patience and perseverence as we forge ahead studying the law and building of and respect for the temple.


In Christ,


David P