Some of you may be “standing here today” wondering if there is truth. On college campuses truth seems relevant. I’m sure you have heard it said, “I choose to live by my truth and not yours!” Imagine for a moment if this concept was followed in a sporting event. How soon would the game turn into chaos if every player lived by their truth. But yet, for some reason, there is a rejection towards YHWH’s laws in the game of life. So, here’s the question, “Can the laws of God change your life for the better?”
Last week, we learned that Israel agreed to the covenant of cursing and blessing. Yahweh told Israel they would be cursed if they made images of false gods, dishonored their parents, move a neighbor’s boundary, mislead the blind, distort justice, commit sexual immorality, strike a neighbor falsely, take bribes, and ignore this very covenant.
As you know, a curse is not a magical spell. Instead, the Hebrew word for curse is ‘arur (ארור), which conveys the idea of being without protection, particularly from Yahweh God. It signifies a state of being excluded from divine favor and blessing.
According to Ezekiels prophecy found in chapters 8 thru 11, Israel would eventually drift away from God’s protection. That they would indeed sin. In weighing this prophecy, ask yourself the following questions before moving on:
Question #1: Is it important to know what sin is? Deut. 27, Gen. 3:6
Question #2: What is the nature of man? Psalms 51.
Question #3: Who took on the curse of sin and became a curse for us? Gal. 3:13, Is. 53:4-5
Because Yeshua our Messiah took on our curse, does this mean the law is null & void? I would confidently say no, in that God told us that His law is life (Deut. 30:15); And Yeshua stated to the Pharisees that they would have known Him if they had read Moses, The Law. (Jn. 5:46)
Since man’s nature is destined to sin, it is only through God’s grace that His Son was sent to take the penalty of the curse for each of us. Hence, I firmly believe that anyone who believes in Him and follows Him should be a joyful person. Grace has been given. Ponder the following court’s understanding of justice. There are three elements:
- Justice, according to laws of any government is a sentence served for an action.
- Mercy within the law of justice is to lessen a sentence due to circumstances.
- Grace within the law is to annul the sentence due to the penalty being paid in full.
Would you be joyful knowing your sentence of death was paid in full? Yes and Yes!
As believers in Yeshua, we are also told to judge righteously. (John 7:24) So, how can anyone judge righteously without the fundamentals of law?
From a practical level, I truly appreciate laws. Let me give you three reasons:
- The law allows me to recognize trespasses against YHWH. I know what road I am on.
- Through the law, I can recognize my need for YHWH. I know the signs on the road.
- Through the law, I can realize the gift given to me. I know my destination.
Consider the following statement: “If there is no truth, there would be no law and hence no need for Christ.” Thank goodness man’s truth is not equal to God’s truth.
Grace abounds through Christ
20 The Law came in so that the offense would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, so also grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21
Believers in Yeshua should be joyful people. For you have received Grace against the law. Does this annul the law? No. for it is the law for which we have been judged and it is the law for which we received grace from Christ Yeshua.
“I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, My soul will be joyful in my God;
For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, as a groom puts on a turban, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Is. 61:10
I was listening to one of Charlie Kirk’s last words given a few weeks before his untimely death. (A death generated by anger toward the laws of God.) In his presentation, Charlie reminded the followers of Christ to not hold back in letting others know the rules of life given by YHWH and the joy it brings. In closing, he gave these four words: Praise, Preach, Participate, and Pray for the governments of this earth. For if we are serious about saving souls for the Kingdom, we will not hesitate to share the “law (the curse placed on all of us) and the testimony (the grace given to us through Messiah).”
Like Isreal, we stand before a land and nation that does not know God. Let us stay clear of taking on the customs of the land. Put on your armor to save a wicked generation. Let YHWH change lives including yours!
May you find praise!
Rollyn