Day 26

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Love is the Fulfillment of the Law!

Scripture

January 26—Exodus 21-24: The Civil Laws for God’s People

Observation

In addition to the Ten Commandments, Moses receives a body of civil and ceremonial laws designed to regulate all aspects of Israel’s national life. The civil laws show God’s concern for the administration of justice, property rights, caring for the poor, punishing criminals, and maintaining purity in interpersonal relationships. The ceremonial laws deal with the tabernacle—Israel’s traveling “church in the wilderness”—and the priests, sacrifices, offerings, and annual feasts involved with it. After a stern reminder of the importance of obedience, God calls Moses back up the mountain for forty more days of instruction.

Application

No one is justified (declared righteous) by keeping the law. That is clear from passages such as Galatians 2:16. What then should be your attitude toward today’s Scripture reading?

Recognize that portions of the Old Testament law are repeated in the New Testament. Nine of the Ten Commandments are specifically reiterated, declaring the kind of conduct that glorifies God today.

Remember that love is the fulfillment of the law (Matthew 22:37-40). If you truly love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself, you will find yourself keeping the Ten Commandments—not because you must, but because you want to.

Learn what the law has to teach you about the character of God. God is concerned about the daily details of your life—even things as mundane as the death of an animal or the loss of a tooth (21:27-28). He desires justice in business transactions, punishment for the guilty, and protection for the innocent. Are those your concerns as well? If not, will you make them yours today?

Prayer

Lord help us write your law on our heart so that our duty will be delightful. We long to do the right things by our fellow mankind; to truly love, but we sometime struggle with it. We need your help day in and day out. Thank you for helping us glorify you in Jesus name, amen!

The Principles the Law Teach!








© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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