Yesterday we spoke about the reason for miracles; today we peek into the reason for the law. We wonder why the law is so difficult or burdensome to many. Why do people break the law or why are some persons above the law. Furthermore, why is it that within the same circumstance some actions are allowed and considered, while others are not. It is for us to ponder on these issues while we share a situation Jesus found himself. But you are welcome to send in your comments.
The constitution of the country and the several bills passed into law, just like the law of Moses and the attendant laws that were added, were made to bring order in the society. These are rules enshrined to enforce discipline, create order and hopefully create stellar citizens. But as usual, people would always be above the law. More still, some conditions would be permissible for the same laws to be broken, by a certain group of persons. This is always the reality!
Unfortunately, in trying to observe the law, strictly, we forget that the law is for man, and not man for the law. This misinterpretation of the reason for the law is commonly seen even in the family circle. While the head of the home maintains that, s/he has given an order and it shouldn’t be contravened; the family members often fail to see why these rules have been made in the first place, hence break some rules. Consequently, the man/woman, the giver of the law/rules in the house, justifies the need to punish any offence.
The law is good and it is expected to bring light into our lives, if we truly know the spirit of the law / the essence of the law / the beauty of the law.
The real problem here is that people abhor restrictions and want to be free. And people forget that in being free we are expected to act and live responsibly. Unfortunately, many people do not act responsibly if given freedom; or they do not know what to do with freedom. As some would say, freedom is dangerous! A classic example is the case of ‘Traffic laws’ set for vehicle users. With the laws/rules in place, we have thousands of accidents and death on the road daily. Let’s imagine if there were no rules in place for road users, it would be total chaos and disaster everywhere. Most times, when there is a monstrous traffic jam, it is a case where one or more persons have contravened the traffic rules. Sheer ignorance of the law or failure to observe the traffic rule cause problems for others. Therefore, the law is good! It is important to guide us and to create order.
How does this concern today’s reflection? The law is good and it is expected to bring light into our lives, if we truly know the spirit of the law / the essence of the law / the beauty of the law. However, this is not true in all situations just like what we read in the gospel of John today. Like the Pharisees, many government representatives keep promulgating laws that do not honestly serve the people. The laws themselves or their interpretation create undue burden to the people. The interpretation of these laws create situations where more persons break the law and penalty paid.
Click to read John Chapter 7
21 Day Lighting Experience – John Chapter 7
I must confess, it was a difficult task for the Pharisee to ensure that the people upheld the law, though I would not say it was an uncomfortable one; because they benefited from the penalties paid and reveled in the attention of the people. Similarly, our representatives in government complain about the burden of their jobs, but they refuse to leave office, their positions… and benefits. People in authority want to maintain their authority, their position and benefits. So they do everything to retain their position and authority. And often choose not to act in accordance with the spirit of the law. So often, greed or fear would not allow them act right.
Today, Jesus teaches us that the reason for the law is love! The very essence of law in the society is to bring order, unity, harmony, peace and progress; above all the love of God! Jesus had this lingering battle with the Pharisees because they did not see love as the spirit of the law. The Pharisees were bent on straightening man for the law and not the law for man. In the same vain, we must remind our representatives in government that the bills they pass into law must be in concordance with love of people, nature, and environment, the love of all gender, race, tribe and religion. Hopefully, then we would have less burden in the society.
The reason
for the law
is love!
In our families too, when the family realizes that the rules made are out of love and the overall benefit of the family, then, there is room for unity and hope for cooperation in the family. It is important for our partners to see the reason behind the rules or principles we have made for ourselves of for the union, so that there would be understanding and fewer frictions in our relationships.
Before we conclude, I wouldn’t dare miss out Nicodemus. He reminds us of the few persons in authority who have the courage to say the truth. If we are among the few good ones in a position of decision-making or interpretation of the rules/law, we need to come to Jesus today. We need courage to say the truth always and promote love. We need the spirit of God to keep working in us.
Click to read Psalm 36
21 Day Lighting Experience – Psalm 36 (GNT)
Human Wickedness
Sin speaks to the wicked deep in their hearts; they reject God and do not have reverence for him. 2 Because they think so highly of themselves, they think that God will not discover their sin and condemn it. 3 Their speech is wicked and full of lies; they no longer do what is wise and good. 4 They make evil plans as they lie in bed; nothing they do is good, and they never reject anything evil.
The Goodness of God
5 Lord, your constant love reaches the heavens; your faithfulness extends to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is towering like the mountains; your justice is like the depths of the sea. People and animals are in your care. 7 How precious, O God, is your constant love! We find[b] protection under the shadow of your wings. 8 We feast on the abundant food you provide; you let us drink from the river of your goodness. 9 You are the source of all life, and because of your light we see the light. 10 Continue to love those who know you and to do good to those who are righteous. 11 Do not let proud people attack me or the wicked make me run away. 12 See where evil people have fallen. There they lie, unable to rise.
In conclusion, Jesus invites us to come and receive the spirit of love, he invites us to come and drink from the streams of living-giving water. Not just our leaders, but parents and would be parents must be thirsty for peace, for order, for a sane society. We need to receive the spirit of God to help us lead better lives. In Psalm 36:8, we are reminded that God wants us to drink from the river of his goodness. Would you refuse God’s spirit? Would you refuse God’s goodness? When we drink of God’s goodness then we can abide by his law with love!
Join us tomorrow, 8th February for Lighting Experience – Day 8
Speechlesswaters