18 March 2014 - not just us, justice

18 March 2014 - not just us, justice

God wants to show us his saving power.  He tells us that we will experience it if we are upright, if we go the right way.  But he is not like the scribes and Pharisees.  "They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people's shoulders but they will not lift a finger to move them." 

God does correct our sins "by drawing them up before your eyes."  But he himself helps us to carry all of these burdens.  After all, the law came through Moses but grace and truth come through Jesus Christ (cf. Joh. 1:17).  And how does this grace manifest itself in our lives? Jesus tells us, "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."  Peter tells us, "Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you" (cf. 1 Pet. 5:7).  Paul tells us, "Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God" (cf. Phi. 4:6).

The Pharisees and the scribes only proclaim the law to make themselves seem higher and more impressive than those around them.  The reason the law exists, the reason God teaches it to us, is so that we can be lifted up to him.  It teaches us to humble ourselves that we may be exulted together in God's presence.

What the LORD teaches us isn't mainly about titles, Rabbi, father, or Master.  It isn't mainly about appearances, about phylacteries and tassels.  It isn't about places of honor.  These are the main goals of the scribes and Pharisees, and when they do other good works they do them to justify these vanities. 

What the LORD teaches us is about love, love for neighbor, and love for him.  It's about care for the widow and the orphan.  It's about "praise as a sacrifice".  Ultimately, it is not about just us but rather justice, giving our neighbor and our God their due.

This teaching of the LORD isn't revealed that he or others may gloat over us in superiority.  What he teaches is the only source of blessedness.  His law teaches humility but leads inexorably to exultation.

Though your sins be like scarlet,
they may become white as snow;
Though they be crimson red,
they may become white as wool.
If you are willing, and obey,
you shall eat the good things of the land;