A Perspective on the Law (Psalm 19: 1-14)

1   The heavens are telling the glory of God;
          and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2   Day to day pours forth speech,
          and night to night declares knowledge.
3   There is no speech, nor are there words;
          their voice is not heard;
4   yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
          and their words to the end of the world.

     In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
5   which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
          and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6   Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
          and its circuit to the end of them;
          and nothing is hidden from its heat.

7   The law of the LORD is perfect,
          reviving the soul;
     the decrees of the LORD are sure,
          making wise the simple;

8   the precepts of the LORD are right,
          rejoicing the heart;
     the commandment of the LORD is clear,
          enlightening the eyes;
9   the fear of the LORD is pure,
          enduring for ever;
     the ordinances of the LORD are true
          and righteous altogether.
10  More to be desired are they than gold,
          even much fine gold;
     sweeter also than honey,
          and drippings of the honeycomb.

11  Moreover by them is your servant warned;
          in keeping them there is great reward.
12  But who can detect their errors?
          Clear me from hidden faults.

13  Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
          do not let them have dominion over me.
     Then I shall be blameless,
          and innocent of great transgression.

14  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
          be acceptable to you,
          O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

               A gracious Father gives instruction for how to succeed in a world full of distractions.  He yearns for our betterment and wants us to thrive.  With a love that is infinitely pure he guides us into good things.  These instructions are not arbitrary, but wholesome in bringing about joy, vitality, a sense of wellbeing and belonging, and purpose.  In their virtuous intent they are more valuable than much gold.  They are sweeter than honey.  And for those who meditate on them, who make them the core of application, they make wise the simple.  They are perfect in their transforming power.  They restore the soul.

               This gracious Father didn’t stop there in giving but sent His own Son to show how it’s done and teach the law’s deeper meaning.  Moreover, thru the Holy Spirit He gives power to see and choose rightly, supplying people with all that they need to develop into the kinds of individuals capable of glorifying the source.  At our best, we long to better know Christ and share in His heavenly call, to experience His healing as we are encouraged toward renewal even if it comes thru trial.  And we find, in the doing, that it is not as much a matter of adhering grudgingly, the way we sometimes do, as if success proves or earns something, but it’s about true change deep in the heart, a sort of paradigm shift, which ultimately reveals God’s goodness.   

               None of us has mastered it so fully that we can sit on our laurels and stop trying.  Aware of this, we make it our goal to continue on this rewarding journey, never yielding to complacency and dissipation.  It’s a heavenly call, to grow buds and bloom, which starts here on earth ever overflowing upward to eternity. 

               Superficial people put on the trappings of instruction and say the right things.  But they lack the commitment necessary to experience true joy.  Sure, they may go to heaven someday, yet they miss out on the gift of true life and living, here, right in the present.  Ultimately, they become unfruitful.  They find themselves saying things like, “life is hard, then you die.”  Or they morosely concede that, “at least life doesn’t stink too bad,” never realizing that there is so much more!  Zest in living is a rare commodity reserved for the faithful.  It is for those who realize that what God asks is ultimately for their own good.  God is gracious and loving and kind.  He wants you to feel vital and alive, if you would only submit.

               Realize today that it’s not about the act of biting your tongue, a mere outward gesture, but it’s about being transformed into a gracious, merciful, appreciative child of God; one who allows God to be the judge.  It’s not about reluctantly giving a tithe to check that mark off of your list, but it’s about growing to the point of true generosity.  It’s not about any feigned activity that appears to reject envy or covetousness, but it’s about flourishing into a grateful person, capable of appreciation and thanks giving over our daily bread, a good spirit, and salvation!  It’s not about resisting the temptation to strike out while continuing to harbor anger and resentment, but it’s about growing in love.

               Tonight, when you pray, start by giving thanks to a gracious God for giving instruction.  Understand that the law is not retributive, but spiritual.  God intends for you to be strong.  He intends for you to feel vital and alive, and to succeed in this world.  For a more thorough exposition on this subject from the bible, go to the “resource” tab at the top of the home page.  May God transform your heart and your mind in Jesus Christ our Lord.