My Daily Pause

When Jesus gave the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:36-40) he was essentially giving us the cue to do no wrong to others and especially God.

The way Paul put it was that we aren’t to owe anyone anything except our love. (Romans 13:8) In he summed it up into a very nice equation:

Any Commandment (Romans 11:9) = “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” = The fulfilling of the law (Romans 9:10).

When you think about it, there just isn’t any sin you can commit that doesn’t hurt someone other than yourself (or at least put them at risk).

Sin entered the world through the first two people.

Sin was present the very moment Israel started wandering in the desert. They couldn’t even follow directions in how to gather the manna. (Exodus 16)

God gave Moses the law so we could recognize sin and understand what is expected of us. All this in preparation for Christ’s sacrifice to release us form the law. (Romans 7)

When people live without boundaries, they are unable to recognize when they are astray. Paul points out in Romans 5:12-21 that the law of Moses was given by God to highlight sin. The idea was for them to understand how sin abounds and to be appreciative of Christ when he came.

Now that Christ has come and brought us the gospel, we enjoy being within his boundaries of grace, light and love.

Through God’s grace, we were given the ultimate sacrifice for our redemption. He understood that we all are sinners and need his help. (Romans 3:23)

God has asked us to take this gift, so he can show us his righteousness and give us salvation – if we follow Jesus. (Romans 3:26)

Davide e Golia – ca 1625 – Tanzio da Varallo (1575-1633)

In Psalm 63, David calls out to God and doesn’t hesitate to use the possessive form. How great is it to be able to say “You are my God” in a prayer?

God will be your God, but you have to do something first – You have to seek him diligently. Read Matthew 7:7-11 to understand how.

Seeking

Asking

Knocking

Three ways to get God to uphold us in his hand (Psalm 63:8)