LAW AND DIVINE LOVE 3
God loves man. God’s love for man is unfathomable, even by the combined genius of the Solomon of the ages. Though man is beyond merit, often unlovable and generally found in opposition to truth and right, God’s love for him is unquenchable.
Man needs God! In spite of his boasting, without God man, “can do nothing.” (John 15:5). Apart from divine revelation, every step that man takes is void of purpose and hope, for “. . .it is not in man that walks to direct his steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23). Man needs a new pattern for human behavior to prevent his self-ruin.
The existence of law is God’s way of saying, “I love you.” Parents operate based on this same principle. Therefore, they lovingly encircle their children with laws (rules of conduct) in hopes of preventing their participation in activities that would destroy their happiness and general well-being and fill them with lifelong sorrow and regret.
The divine prohibition relative to fornication is God’s way of promoting purity and self-respect, preventing venereal disease and human misery and assuring one of marital happiness as either a present reality or a future prospect. Such is true concerning every law that God has ever given. Every divine statute, positive precept, prohibition, restraint, and restriction has God’s love and concern for men written all over it.
Sin results when man transgressed the law of God. (1 John 3:4). Since God’s law promotes man’s happiness and well-being, when mans sins, he is robbing himself. He is his own thief. Were Adam and Eve happy they hid from God’s presence among the trees of Eden? Was the prodigal son happy and content in the hog pen of the far country? Was Judas happy with his thirty pieces of silver?
God knows man’s nature and needs to perfection. Thus, God designed his law to benefit his needs just as he fashioned the air to fit his lungs and the water to slake his thirst. Instead of berating law, let us be grateful for such a marvelous expression of divine love.
Frank Chesser 1986
These articles clearly emphasize why God gave us the Bible and a list of laws. As a loving parent, we discipline our children for their good. As a loving God, He does the same for all of us! Beloved, let us love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind and soul. May the world see our love for them and God, and I pray they be attracted by our example.
Remember, we are His servants, and we should never do anything that would cause anyone to turn from God.
Tommy
