Today’s Readings:
Deuteronomy 6:2-6
Psalm 18:2-4,47,51
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 12:28-34
When you hear “Law” what is the first thing that crosses your mind: restriction or freedom? Most of us have come to see laws as restricting. The only time we consider law as something good is when we seek justice for wrongs done to us by legal authorities. We can all agree that laws are good because they ensure that our rights are protected, our interests are considered, our lives and properties are secure and our well-being is entrenched. In most countries, keeping the laws is a problem because both the state and the society perceive it as powerless and partial—laws only serve and protect the rich and powerful. So, the idea is always to be rich and powerful so that one can get away with anything. Is this sustainable?
Today’s readings challenge us as followers of Christ, to look at laws differently and apply them for some other reasons than just earthly interests:
God’s law (which we call “Eternal Law”) comes with the promise of eternal life in heaven.
God’s law ensures that we prosper in the world, materially and spiritually.
God’s law ensures that our whole being is consecrated to Him (heart, soul and strength).
Those who keep God’s law will find Him as their strength and place of refuge always.
The biggest source of problems in our world is rebellion; our hearts are far from God, the source of peace, love and justice and have grown selfish.
A rebellious person is a scattered person— your heart is filled with the slime of selfishness; your mind is clouded by the intrusions of lust and your strength is replaced by the laziness of disobedience.
Keeping God’s law aligns us with Christ (the perfect and eternal High Priest) who intercedes for us before God our Father in heaven.
We shall keep God’s commandments only if we love Him as our source and end.
Keeping God’s law pervades every sphere of our lives and ensures that we treat people the way we wish to be treated (with love, mercy and mutual trust).
God desires that our hearts, understanding and strength are placed at His service. This is far more pleasing to Him than any holocaust or sacrifice.
Without laws, we are a ticking timebomb and our societies will slowly but surely slide into chaos. God alone can save us from ourselves and His law is simple: “The Lord our God is the one Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:6).
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, your laws are just and true.
Lord, help me to keep Your laws.
Lord, free me from rebellion, lies and selfishness.
Lord, may your laws set me free from slavery to sin.
Lord, help me to see you and serve you in everyone I meet.
Lord, bless me and my generation by Your faithfulness.
Lord, may I never offend you by my actions.
Lord, help me to use my gifts to serve You and my neighbour.
Lord, may your laws preserve me for eternal life.
Let the law of love rule my heart, mind and soul.
Let Your energy transform darkness into light and chaos to order.
I am blessed beyond measure in Jesus' name. Amen.
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