When The Door Slams
LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the LORD; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken. (Psalm 15:1-5 NIV)
Many see God as One who is impossible to please. They see Him as a harsh, demanding Being who enjoys punishing people and seems to hate His very creation. Others go to the opposite extreme of thinking that God requires virtually nothing of us. Both concepts are wrong.
So, what does Lord God require of us? Do you realize that the Bible asks and answers that exact question? "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"(Micah 6:8). King David expressed a similar sentiment, asking in Psalm 15:1, "LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?"
And what about those Ten Commandments? Are they as oppressive as some think? Are they burdensome and impossible to keep? Some think so, and I've personally been told this. I've also heard some said that there is nothing you can do to be saved--it has all been done for you. But is that what God's word reveals?
Notice what John, says about God's commandments: For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome" for everyone born of God overcome the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcome the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5:3-5).
But didn't Jesus come to nail these commandments to the cross? Didn't He do away with them? Let read what Jesus said when a young ruler came to Him and asked the following question in Matthew 19:16. "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" This is the key question. So, what was Jesus answer? "But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments" (v.17). Now, if keeping the commandments is a requirement for eternal life--which is what Jesus clearly said--you would want to know where these commandments are :(read Ex 20:1-17; Dt 5:6-21).
And what about Jesus' own words in the Sermon on the Mount? Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled" (Matthew 5:17-18).
Think about this: That is about as direct a statement as can be made explaining what Christ Jesus requires of us, but why do we have the law of God? Is it to keep us from every good thing, or is it to keep us from every act that brings heartache and suffering? Notice God's reaction to the children of Israel: "Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever" (Deuteronomy 5:29).
God knows that keeping His law keeps us out of trouble. It protects us against needless pain and suffering. Consider the very first of the Ten Commandments: "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:2-3).
Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Never Rest Ministries
