The Commandments and the Commander

Daily Reading: Matthew 12

Scripture Focus: Looking for a reason to bring charges against Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”  (Matthew 12.10)

Devotional Thought: Andy Stanley, pastor and founder of North Point Ministries, points out that we must not only know the command, but know the Commander. 

The Pharisees, who sought to disrupt Jesus' ministry, were among the religious elite, well-versed in matters of the Law, and quick to point out offenses against it.  They knew the command, but had forgotten the Commander. 

Taking small excerpts from scripture and using them to justify, to condemn or to provide proof of your own righteousness is dangerous.  God meant his Word to be taken as a whole, each piece of the puzzle fitting together to give us a picture of himself and his character.  Does this mean we can throw out the pieces that don’t seem to fit, that remain a mystery to us?  Of course not!  But, always remember what Jesus said: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And, the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’"

God’s laws and commandments are still very important.  They reveal much about his character and holiness to those seeking to know him better.  Jesus never dismisses the commandments; "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5.17).  So, when we look to God’s Word for direction, for wisdom, for instruction, for knowledge – we should not dismiss the commands.  Rather, we should view them through the filter of the greatest commandments:  loving God, loving others, and loving ourselves.  

Jenny

Prayer: "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes" (Psalm 19.7-8). Help us to not only know the commandments, but also to know you, the Commander.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 84.8-12

8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah

9 Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed!

10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.

12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!