For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. – John 1:17
They are God’s holy laws. They were given through Moses, and they work to point you in the right direction. They show you how to live as God’s people. They teach you about righteousness and eternal life. They act as little sermons, teaching and preaching God’s will and eternal life into your hearts. And though you must remember these little sermons, these teachings, they cannot give you the eternal life they proclaim.
God’s law is like a finger pointing to the right path. And as with the fingers of the body which serve important functions, they are limited. They can point you in the right direction, but they cannot take you there such as feet, a car, or a boat. A finger can point you to the city, but without the means of getting there, you are stuck. Thus, the laws of God can point you on the right path, but they cannot get you on it or to its end. They tell you what God wants from you and how He demands you live your life, but because of sin, you cannot fulfill these laws. In the end, God’s laws only show you your weaknesses and sins and your inability to do what is necessary to get to, stay on, or complete the path. They cannot free you from your sins, but only reveal them to you.
When you look at the commandments, you see your failings, your inadequacies, your sins, and by them you cannot have God’s approval. What you see in the mirror of His law forces you to cry out, “Have mercy, O God, and send me Your only Son so that by Your grace, He might die for me and cover all my sins with His blood!”
Heavenly Father, I am such a sinner and Your holy and perfect Law is clear. Thank You for sending Your only Son to suffer and die in my place and accepting me as Your child because of Him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
