2/10/14- The Law and Christ

45“But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set.46If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?” (John 5:45-47)

Thoughts; The Law (Moses) convicts us. It shows us where we are wrong.  But the Law also is our ideal- our hopes.  In some ways it still is.  We want to keep the Ten Commandments deep down, but we know it is impossible.  We sin daily in our thoughts, words, and deeds. 
     The other part of the Law is not just the commands, but also the way to forgiveness through sacrifice- when we break the commands.  Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice.  At the same time Jesus is the ultimate Law- showing us how to live by His example of love and grace. Jesus is the ultimate teacher with His words and example.  Moses spoke of God raising up a "prophet like me" (Dr. 18:15).
The Law is fulfilled in the person of Jesus.  Jesus said he did not come to break the Law but to fulfill it.  God gave the Law to show us His ideal life.  But Christ is the One who helps us live for God.  Apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).  When we fail, Christ is our sacrifice.  The good news is that we are not left alone- with no direction, no help to keep that direction, and no help up when we fall down- failing to keep to our direction.  

Prayer: Help us to listen to your Law and to you.