God gave His law to the nation of Israel so that they would know how to live according to His ways. God wanted the Israelites to be different from other people groups because He wanted them to be His representatives in this world. God's law was meant to protect them from corruption and ungodly living so that God could bless them and not experience His judgment. God used Moses to lead them out of slavery in Egypt through the desert. God divided the Red Sea so that they could cross. He provided light from the fire all night and brought clouds to cover them by day. He split the rocks to provide them water and gave them manna and meat for food (Psalm 78:9-31). But in spite of all of this, they kept on sinning, and they did not completely believe in Him (Psalm 78:32). And the reason they didn't believe in God despite the miracles they had seen was that they loved to do their own ways. Once God provided what they needed, they would go back to rebel against Him. As a result, God judged them by allowing their enemies to defeat them. Psalm 78:63-64 says, "Fire consumed their young men, and their young women had no wedding songs; their priests were put to the sword, and their widows could not weep." However, because of God's mercy, He gave them a king, David, who would lead them with integrity. Psalm 78:70-72 says, "He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them."
The ways of God are not meant to limit what we do or want but to protect us from wicked ways that will destroy our lives. God gave us the Ten Commandments to instruct us on how to love God and others. They are meant to lead us to a blessed life and not a cursed life. However, because of our sinful behavior, we choose to disobey God and do our own things. We disregard God's instructions because we love what we are doing. We trust our own ways instead of trusting God's ways. As are result, we become desperate in our own ways. Isaiah 55:7 says, "Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously."
God's laws and ways lead us to abundant life and spiritual blessings, but rebellious ways only lead to despair and destruction. God meant to bless us as we walk in His ways. The only way to peace when we are in rebellion against God: turn away from our sins and turn to God, and He will forgive us.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What is the reason why I disobey God? What should I do when I disobey God? What are the consequences when I disobey God?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them to God.
Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven, Your laws and ways are not meant to restrict me from doing my own things; they lead me to righteousness and a blessed life. Sinful ways can only lead me to despair and more suffering, but your righteousness leads me to joy and peace, even in the midst of difficult problems. Please help me to walk according to your ways. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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