On Tuesday nights I have been teaching a Route 66 class. I taught if for six straight years on Wednesday nights and needed to take a break. Someone asked me if I would teach it again so I am. It is a 2 year trip through the 66 books of the Bible. As I read Romans 7 this morning my mind went back to the first 5 books of the OT, specifically Leviticus through Deuteronomy.
Boring books on the surface. Measurements of the Tabernacle? Yeah, not so exciting. But I have gained a new appreciation of these ancient books. I have learned, first, you simply cannot divorce the OT from the NT. The shadow cannot be separated from the reality. There is so much in the NT that brings the OT to life.
But what really stands out to me is how much more alive and meaningful those old books are when seen as God’s desire for holiness from His people. He gave the Law so His people would know how to act (among other reasons).
This came home to me as I read Romans 7:7 this morning: “What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet.’ ” So the law pointed out sin and gave a name to it. How else would I have known it was wrong to covet if not?
God desires His people to be holy. His people in the OT. His people in the NT. His people today. Me. You. While the Law is not binding on us for salvation, it is a good reminder that we have been set apart by God for His purpose.
“Father, You are holy. The Scripture says, ‘Be holy as I am holy.’ You are there. You want me to be holy as You are. Lead me and teach me how to be holy.”
As Christians, we are not ruled by the Law, but we can greatly benefit when we look at how God provided for His people, showing them how to treat one another and keep their focus on Him. Of course, they failed time and time again. Only Jesus could eventually fix that situation forever. So thankful for my Savior!
Blessings, Bill!
I’m with you Martha. So glad for a Savior that took care of the requirements of the Law.
As usual I am guilty of “coveting.” It used to be a woman (none in particular), but as time went on it turned into other things.
You’re right though.. The OT books are priceless. Still can’t get over the genealogies in the Bible, except for the fact that they all end up at Christ.
It is called maturing Ed. 🙂 And that is a good thing. As for the genealogies I used to be the same way until I realized they were important and told a story.