The Law of Moses

But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:34-40 ESV). Not long ago I had a conversation with an individual when they asked me how I could be so liberal. As you might imagine that took me by surprise. I have been accused of many things in my life, but never being liberal, especially in my theology. I suppose they saw the look of surprise and said, “You talk so much about grace that you have destroyed the Law of Moses.” For those of you who know me, you also know my response was classic. I simply said, “I thought Jesus did that.” There was a weak response, though our conversation was over at that point.

I do believe the Ten Commandments are an incredibly important guide for successful living. They are the ultimate foundation on which to base spiritual and ethical behavior. The first four commandments focus on our relationship with God. The last six deal with our relationship to our fellow man. In short, right spirituality leads to right living with our fellow man. In summary we can say the first four are: put God first; have no idols; respect His name; and, have a weekly Sabbath. The last six are: honor your father and mother; don’t commit murder; don’t commit adultery; don’t steal; don’t lie; and, don’t covet your neighbor’s possessions. However, they are stated so negatively we are all somewhat repelled. It is natural for us to feel that way. No one likes to be told they can’t do something. Perhaps this is why Jesus summarized them positively in his confrontation with the Pharisees. I must confess that though I like His best, it is much harder to do those two commandments that those of the Mosaic pronouncement. Jesus said, “Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind,” (the first four in a nutshell). And then he said “Love your neighbors as yourself,” (the last six, in five words). It is the perfect summary. And, both teach us how to be in right relationship with God and right relationship with others. When we get right with God, we’ll be right with our fellow man. Grace does not negate these directives. In fact, grace allows us the ability to perform them. Without the empowering of the Holy Spirit, no one is able to be in right relationship with either God or others. Rest in His grace; and, walk in His direction.