February 7th

Exodus 20:1-22:15

God gave Moses and His people the laws by which He expected them to live. Israel was now a free nation, but its citizens knew nothing of how to live like one, so God helped them by providing guidelines. Basically, God’s laws can be classified into three sections: the ceremonial laws (which were instructions for worshiping God through the sacrificial system), the civil laws (which were statutes for developing a civilized nation before and after they moved into Canaan), and the moral laws (which were the foundation on which the others depended).

Christians are not bound by the ceremonial laws, because we don’t use the sacrificial system any longer. Jesus changed all of that (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:23-25). However, we can tell by those ceremonial laws that God takes worship very seriously and that coming into His presence should not be taken lightly (more to come on this topic when we read about the Tabernacle).

Christians are not subject to the civil laws, which pertained only to Old Testament Israel. The laws were many and minute, and they were meant to expose the fact that the people could not keep them entirely. Therefore, their sinfulness would be evident, as well as their need for forgiveness. Paul wrote that the Law points us to our need for Christ (Romans 7:7-9). However, even though these laws may seem strange to us today, it is evident that God highly esteems life, liberty, and personal property.

Concerning the third category, the moral laws,

Christians are not bound by the Ten Commandments but rather by the two great commandments. We are no longer under the Old Testament Law but rather we are under the Law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). The Law of Christ is simple, not burdensome (1 John 5:3); and, it is summarized by loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:30, 31). These two commands of Christ summarize the Ten Commandments; if we love God and love others, we will fulfill all that is required of us.

While the two great commandments of Christ fulfill the Ten Commandments of Moses, that does not mean that we can neglect the Ten Commandments. They are practical ways that we can love God and love others. For example, if we love God, we will not worship idols; and, if we love others, we will not lie, steal, or murder.

Daily Reflection

Aren’t you grateful for Christ and the fact that He has delivered you from the Law? The real question is do you live in such a way as you are free from the Law? Or do you live as if you are still under it, keeping up with Christian “rules,” duties, obligations, and requirements?

Do you ever feel like you have to do something, or avoid doing something, or God will not love you, forgive you, or be happy with you?

Remember, you are free from the Law. You do not earn God’s favor, His love, or His forgiveness; rather, because of Christ, you already have these things. There is nothing you can do to cause God to love you more; likewise, there is nothing you can do to cause God to love you less. “For those in Christ, there is no longer any condemnation” (Romans 8:1, 2). You are free!

BiAY.org | Daily Reflections Day 38 — 327 Days to Go