I love the challenge that these readings present to us. So often we look at God as a merciful, perfectly loving Father that doesn’t rule with an iron fist but with a gentle hand – and I believe that is a part of who our God is: gentle and merciful. However, there’s an edge in the first reading in Moses’ words to us - God doesn’t ask us to observe his statutes and decrees, he “commands” us to. Moses admonishes us: “Be careful, then, to observe them with all your heart and with all your soul… he is to be your God and you are to walk in his ways and observe his statutes, commandments and decrees, and to hearken to his voice.” The paradox seems to be two fold:
- God is both a loving and merciful God but also our God that draws a line and requires obedience;
- God gives us free will, we have a choice in the matter – but do we really have a choice? That is, if I wanted to lose 30 pounds, I have a choice of whether to exercise and eat right, but if I’m going to lose 30 pounds I have no choice but to eat right. So, yes we have free will but if we want to reach our heavenly father we don’t have a choice but to obey and do his will… to “walk in his ways and observe his statutes.”
The challenge and opportunity for us then is clarified by Moses when he says “provided you keep all his commandments,” – he doesn’t say keep the commandments when you want to or when its convenient or when its easy to keep them. The psalm doesn’t say “blessed are they who kinda follow the law of the Lord!” Rather, Christ himself makes it abundantly clear and takes the challenge to a completely different level when he commands us and gives us the decree “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” I don’t know of a more challenging statute to honor than to pray for those you disdain. What a great opportunity for us to dig a little deeper, to do the hard rights – especially when we don’t feel like doing them, and grow closer to Christ in doing so.
Author: Jonathan Alexander, Athletic Department
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