Greetings in Christ,
Paul writes an analogy as he communicates with the Galatians regarding the law and faith. He compares the law to being a slave, and faith as an heir of the owner. He writes to the Galatians and is concerned for their reluctance to accept the fact the law was designed to lead people to faith in God. The laws were not to be something which had to be received as a rigid approach to living a righteous life. The many laws bound people to following a rigid routine which became obsession for most to follow, and for the most part the law was hard to fulfill in every detail. Following the law to its completeness was impossible and it took the focus off God for sustenance and directed it towards mankind’s efforts and accomplishments in fulfilling the laws. They became bound to the law and were not able to enjoy the freedom of being an heir of the owner.
2 Samuel records the action of David as he approached his last years on earth. He began to look to what he had accomplished in his lifetime, and he wanted to account for all the people in the kingdom of Israel and Judah. He ordered a census to be taken and sent out his chosen men to travel across the kingdom and number the people. He realized this angered God and knew he had to repent, but it came with a high price. David was looking at what he had accomplished rather than looking to God for what He had provided. David was dependent on his own measure of success rather than depend on God to lead him.
John records the conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees. Jesus is telling the people He is the light of the world while the Pharisees are telling Jesus His words are false. The Pharisees did not accept what Jesus was saying because they felt His witness was not true. There was no one to collaborate with Jesus’ words according to their belief and to the law. Jesus told them if they knew Him, they would know the Father who sent Him, and the Father is the one collaborating with Jesus as a witness. The Pharisees were too caught up in observing the law they could not see Jesus was fulfilling the law.
We live our lives here on earth with many laws imposed on us. We sometimes impose those laws upon ourselves by our own expectations of what we should be doing. We find ourselves looking at what we have done and our great accomplishments according to the laws we live by in our daily routines. We pat ourselves on the back and say look what I have done, or we step back and say I did not get done what I wanted to do. We become bound to the routine of doing what is expected of us by our volition or by what others may think we need to do.
Instead of looking at what was accomplished on our part, think about how God has blessed us with the ability to do the things we have accomplished. Think about what God has provided for us as we live here on earth. Think about what God can do for us if we just simply ask for His help.
It comes down to the fact are we living as slaves or heirs? Do we feel we are doing it on our own or are we giving God the praise for blessing us? Give God the thanks for all He has done. It takes the focus off us and puts it on Him.
“Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart, in the company of the upright and in the assembly. Great are the works of the Lord; they are studied by all who delight in them. Splendid and majestic is His work, and His righteousness endures forever. He has made His wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. He has given food to those who fear Him; He will remember His covenant forever. He has made known to His people the power of His works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. The works of His hands are truth and justice; all His precepts are sure.
They are upheld forever and ever; they are performed in truth and uprightness. He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever; holy and awesome is His name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments;
His praise endures forever.” Psalm 111
Lord may we give You the praise for all You have done, and may we live as heirs in Your kingdom. Amen
Blessings,