Why All the Rules?

Do you ever feel constricted by God's rules? Do you wish you could just experience his love and not his laws? Keep Reading...

READ
Exodus 21:18-19 - If men quarrel and one hits the other with a stone or with his fist and he does not die but is confined to bed, the one who struck the blow will not be held responsible if the other gets up and walks around outside with his staff; however, he must pay the injured man for the loss of his time and see that he is completely healed.

REFLECT
As you read through the Old Testament, especially the books of the Law, you find lots of rules. "Don’t do this… do this…." You might skip over these sections. After all, who likes being told what to do? Some of the laws seem very specific, even confining. Why does God go into such detail with all these scenarios and rules?

If a bull gores a man or a woman to death….
If a man uncovers a pit or digs one and fails to cover it….
If a man steals an ox or a sheep….
If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck….
If a fire breaks out….
If a man seduces a virgin….
If you lend money….
and many more….

After God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai, he then went into greater detail on specific laws for the people of Israel. God brought up many scenarios where specific explanations of the law were needed. But, why all the detail? Why all the rules?

God’s law was never meant as a divine hand-slap. No, his law was meant to safeguard a people who would have chosen destruction over life. The boundaries that God gives are actually for our best. As a good Father, he longs that we would not only live, but thrive. So he gives "bumper cushions" (using a 10 pin bowling analogy) to keep us alive, joy-filled and productive. His boundaries bring blessing!

That God would go to such lengths to give clear rules means that he is a loving Father. When we break his boundaries, even his discipline means that he loves us. Hebrews 12:7-8 This true perspective of God's laws will encourage a love for his boundaries within us. With the Psalmist we can say, "For I delight in your commands, because I love them." Psalm 119:47

RESPOND
Are there any commands of God that you tend to reject? Rebellion can often happen behind a smile. Ask the Holy Spirit to scan your life for disobedience. Ask him for a love for his law. Read through Psalm 119 to instil within you a love for his ways.