It sounds fairly straightforward. Obey and live. Don’t and
die. For some it was as simple as that. But then the wise and discerning people
figured out that going through the motions worked just as well so that God
speaking through the prophet Isaiah laments, “these people honor me with their
lips but their hearts are far from me.” (29:13) Maybe it was the do or die that
confused them. That’s not the best basis for a relationship. Of course there
are consequences and rewards in any relationship but what God earnestly desired
was for people’s hearts to be close because they wanted to be close; because
they remembered when they were slaves in Egypt God heard their cry; because God
led them through the waste land and did not abandon them even though
continually complained. It turns out the burden God bears are the people God
loves. And so God continually reworks what the relationship is supposed to look
like – dumbing it down if you will. Like the prophet Micah speaking for God -
how about if you just act justly; love mercy, and walk humbly with me. Would
that work for you? (6:8) Jesus reduces
the whole of scripture and the 613 mosaic laws to two - love God and love
neighbor. Now if we do that we’d really
be wise and discerning and I bet folks would notice. So take care and watch
yourselves in such a way that you love the God you cannot see as best you can
and love the neighbor you can see even a little better.
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