Wrestle with God...find yourself
The Ten Commandments are a fascinating study. We can look at them through many different lenses. One lens may be that of condemnation. A person can feel that God is trying to keep them from having some fun in life. Others view the commandments as a way in which man has controlled societies over the ages. Furthermore, some look upon these laws as a measurement of their spiritual progress.
While all of these opinions have merit, it is important to explore the heart behind the law. What is the purpose of God’s commands? Are they meant to manipulate mankind into some sort of guilt trip? Or is there more to it? I believe that God wants to bring life through His commands. He desires that you trust Him, have faith that what He says He means.
If you believe God created you, then the next logical connection would be to assume He knows exactly what is best for His creation. The God that created us then communicated His commands to His people (Exodus 20).
It was a dramatic moment. Picture the people of God watching as Moses went up to meet with God.
“18 When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear.
19 And they said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!”
20 “Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!”
21 As the people stood in the distance, Moses approached the dark cloud where God was.” (Exodus 20:18-21)
See the contrast? The people were afraid that God was going to “get them”. God, according to Moses, was trying to protect them. The supreme being of all existence cared for His people enough, that He brought forth commands to keep them protected. Protected from themselves, and others. He desired, and still does, that His people are blessed and at peace.
Jesus was then sent to save us from all of our transgressions against God’s law. However, Jesus himself said “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose” (Matthew 5:17). The purpose was to PROTECT us and SAVE us from sin; to keep guard. Jesus accomplished God’s redemptive plan.
Now, we all have a choice. Do we accept God’s plan or do we keep pursuing our plan?
God also gives us “freedom” to disobey Him. Jeremiah offers this take on pushing God’s commands away…
17 “Therefore, this is what the LORD says: Since you have not obeyed me by setting your countrymen free, I will set you free to be destroyed by war, disease, and famine. You will be an object of horror to all the nations of the earth. 18 Because you have broken the terms of our covenant, I will cut you apart just as you cut apart the calf when you walked between its halves to solemnize your vows.” Jeremiah 34:17-18. God made a command earlier in this chapter. He wanted slaves freed. What an age old problem mankind has! The rulers listened to God and set the slaves free. But then, they went back on God’s command and decided to take back the slaves. God said (paraphrase) “Ok, since you won’t obey my commands, go do what you want. You won’t have my protection anymore.” (once again, my paraphrase). He said “I will set you free to be destroyed by war, disease, and famine”.
When we walk outside of God’s commands, we tell God “hey, I don’t need your protection anymore. I’ve got it from here.” And God, in all His graciousness, let’s us walk away. He allows us to choose.
So who do you choose? God’s commands and His grace or your opinion?
“14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father,[e]15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.[f]16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:14-21)
God desires more for you than you can even imagine for yourself. He sees the vessel that He created. The One that created EVERYTHING, loves you!! Never forget that.
The choice is yours…a life of fulfillment or more of the same frustration, anxiety, worry and fear.
The choice is yours…
19th February 2012
