Matthew 5:17—“Do not think that I have come to abolish the
law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.”
The purpose of all the laws in the Old Testament was to
guide people in their relationships with each other and with God for the sole
purpose of bringing them closer to God. God is love, and in keeping the
laws we necessarily show love toward others. But by the time of Jesus’
birth, the laws were starting to get in the way of relationships. People
were using it to exclude others; they were manipulating the law for selfish
gain to the detriment of others. When Jesus came, He was questioned about
whether He was abolishing the law because, after all, there were many laws He
did not follow (for example, He healed on the Sabbath and He picked grain to
eat on the Sabbath). But Jesus said He came to fulfill the law, not
abolish it. You see, the law has always been about love. It is man
who has contorted and twisted it to fit our limited perspective and
understanding. Jesus came to walk on Earth to show us that love is the
true law and by obeying all of God’s laws we continually become closer to others
and Him.
Today as you pray and meditate on His Word, praise God for
His loving spirit. Rejoice in His law that is intended to fortify your
relationships with your fellow man and with God. Pray that you would be
filled with love toward others. Ask God for renewed understanding of His
simply perfect master plan that we would reunite completely with Him one
day.
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