September 5, 2013

Numbers 15:30-35 — But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Because he hath despised the word of the Lord, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him. And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day. And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation. And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him. And the Lord said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.

How do you feel about the law? I don’t mean God’s law, I mean the law of the land? Here’s some choices:
The law is the law, it’s absolute. You try to obey it all the time, and accept that you should be punished if you don’t.
The law is generally right, and usually applies — but sometimes there are special circumstances, and breaches should be forgiven.
The law is entirely optional, based on my convenience. It’s O.K. For you, but I can suit myself and any punishment is an injustice.
God’s view of the law seems pretty plain. You might even think it’s a bit harsh. I mean come on … The guy was just picking up sticks! Surely if he felt it was necessary to gather fuel at the weekend that was just being prudent? Or at least they should have given him a chance to explain? Well, no — here’s the thing. The man deliberately (presumptuously) broke the law — insulting God.
But wasn’t that God’s law? How does God feel about man’s law? Paul works it out for us in chapter 13 of his letter to the Romans.
Christians must obey the law “for wrath’s sake”. God has established the governments and they rule by His permission. Rulers bear the sword — they have the power to punish and take life.
Christians must obey the law because their conscience tells them to! Verse 7 of Romans 13 tells us to pay what we owe — not to do so is disrespecting God, like our stick picker!
It’s not just a matter of conscience — the next verse says “to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”
Observe the law for fear, for conscience, for love and for one more reason. Verse 14 of Romans 13 tells us “Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” A Christian should be growing into the image of Christ. For His sake we should obey the law.
So what’s the application? Are there any laws that you think are stupid? Any you don’t think should apply to you? Maybe those speed limits aren’t really necessary, or maybe self-awarded tax breaks are a good idea? Think again.
It’s the law!