It Has Been Said... But I Tell You

Do not think I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them...whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Mt. 5:17,19)
You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, "Do not murder" ...But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment...anyone who says "You fool!" will be in danger of the fire of hell. (Mt. 5:21-22)
You have heard that it was said, "Do not commit adultery."  But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery in his heart. (Mt. 5:27-28)
It has been said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress." (Mt. 5:31-32)
Again, you have heard it was said "Do not break your oath"...But I tell you do not swear at all." (5:33-34)
You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. (5:38-39)
You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."  (5:44-45)

Thoughts: Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it.  Jesus did not stop the Old Testament Law  but built on it.  He went further about stopping hate, stopping adultery, protecting marriage, keeping our word.  Then he went further than justice. Jesus knows that the ultimate justice is from God.  If we humble ourselves the ultimate judge will lift us up.  Turning the other cheek leaves revenge in God's hands.  Loving your enemies and praying for our persecutors does not make us a doormat.  It actually calls God's powerful, just attention to our need.  Jesus does not nullify the Law, but builds on it- going further into the heart of God's purity and love.  Over and over Jesus says, "You have heard it said, but I say."  He is asking us to listen to Him as He enhances what God has already said- making it clearer, stronger, and more meaningful for all time.

Prayer: Lord, give me ears to hear your voice.  Give me the strength to live as you would have me to live.

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.