[ Today's Readings ]
For what great nation is there
that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us
whenever we call upon him?
Or what great nation has statutes and decrees
that are as just as this whole law
which I am setting before you today?
This isn't how we usually think about laws. We usually see them in terms of obligation and try to figure out what the bare minimum required for compliance is.
Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments
and teaches others to do so
will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven.
The laws given to us by God are not arbitrary. They are ordered to human flourishing. They describe the inner workings of reality which would be true whether or not they were written down anywhere. Our guilt is less if we don't obey them because of our ignorance. But there are still consequences and we are still pitiable.
But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments
will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.
We should learn to treasure the laws of God as a special revelation given to us out of love. The fruit of obedience is evident to all, even if the world itself has a particularly hard time with rules. As they watch those who do obey, they can't help but marvel at how well it all works.
Observe them carefully,
for thus will you give evidence
of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations,
who will hear of all these statutes and say,
'This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.'
These laws truly do strengthen the bars of our gates and bless our children. The statues and the ordinances of the LORD have been made known to us. He wants to bring the whole world to a place where together we can understand and treasure these laws. He doesn't want anyone left out, ignorant, and suffering without them.
Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion.
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