I wanted to take a day to focus and reflect on the journey that we are on. If you have been following along with my daily blog I pray that you have found it to be a blessing. Over the past few months we have completed a 30 day study on the importance of being purposeful in building a Godly legacy. Followed by a 7 day study on Galatians in which we learned about the Freedom of Christ. And now we have just concluded a 12 day study on the book of Ephesians that focuses on our Identity in Christ.
If you missed any of these studies they are all available on my blog https://dustinroyerbooks.com
The reason for today’s focus break is to ensure that we take time to connect the dots and truly grasp the concepts of these power messages. In order to build a Godly legacy you must understand your identity in Christ and know the freedom that He brings. I know some of you may be thinking that living a Godly life and staying consistent in the word may seem like a daunting task at times and that it doesn’t feel like freedom, but I assure you the more you put into it the greater the reward.
Matthew 6:21 says “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
When we treasure God by spending time in the word he speaks to our heart and we begin to understand who He has called us to be. Our identity is the heart, the epicenter of who we are, and when we are purposeful to live in accordance with our identity we are moving into the fullness of life that He intends for us.
But Dustin how does this free us? Good question I am so glad you asked… You did ask right? haha
Here is the million dollar question… What have you been delivered from? Is it possible to be completely submissive to the requirements of the Mosaic Law? That is the laws given to Moses by God.
The idea of complete submission to all of the Mosaic Law is a complex topic. The Mosaic Law, given in the Torah, contains 613 commandments (mitzvot) covering various aspects of life, including religious practices, moral conduct, civil laws, and dietary restrictions.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Ideal vs. Reality: The Mosaic Law sets an ideal standard of holiness and righteousness. However, human nature, with its flaws and imperfections, makes it difficult for anyone to perfectly adhere to every commandment at all times.
- Provision for Failures: The Law itself includes provisions for human shortcomings. There are various sacrifices and rituals prescribed for atonement and forgiveness of sins, indicating an understanding that people would fail to keep the Law perfectly.
- Historical Context: Over the centuries, the Jewish people faced numerous challenges, including exile, persecution, and dispersion. These circumstances often made it practically impossible to observe all the commandments, especially those related to the Temple, which was destroyed.
- Rabbinic Interpretations: Jewish scholars and rabbis have interpreted and expanded upon the Law to provide guidance on how to observe it in changing circumstances. The Talmud and other rabbinic writings offer detailed discussions on the practical application of the Law.
- New Testament Perspective: In the New Testament, Paul and other apostles argue that no one could be justified by the Law alone because it is impossible to keep it perfectly. Instead, they emphasize faith in Jesus Christ as the means of salvation and righteousness.
- Jewish Perspective: In traditional Jewish thought, the focus is not on achieving perfection but on striving to follow the commandments to the best of one’s ability and seeking forgiveness and atonement when failing.
In summary, while the Mosaic Law sets an ideal standard, it acknowledges human limitations and provides means for atonement and forgiveness. Historically and practically, perfect adherence to all the commandments has been challenging, if not impossible. The emphasis, therefore, is on sincere effort, repentance, and seeking God’s grace.
That is a lot to unpack, but here is the thing. If you believe that Jesus is the son of God, that He died on the cross for our sins, and accept Him as Lord and Savior. You are free from the complexity of the mosaic law a Jesus, the Christ, fulfilled all of them on our behalf as the final sacrifice for sin freeing us of the immense burden of the law.
That is real freedom. That is real identity. That is real legacy.
So over the next few weeks we will start learning more about who Jesus is from the perspective of his disciples. Starting with the Beloved disciple John. Please pick up my book Beloved: John the beloved disciple – A study for Christians and follow along with me.