Law and Grace (6) Not too Hard
Earning righteousness by good works is impossible. Living in harmony by obeying God’s law is practical and not beyond the capability of people without the cross and the gospel.Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach (Deut 30:11).
God gave a set of laws and instructions that were not too difficult for them. It was not beyond their reach.It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, “Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it (Deut 30:12-14).
The last sentence is interesting. Moses says that the law was already in their hearts. This seems odd, as these people did not have the new heart that is promised for those who believe in Jesus. Moses seems to be saying that the people had the ability and desire to live together in their hearts, because they were created in the image of God. Although they were fallen, enough of God’s image remained that with the help of the law, they could live in unity. Sin will burst out from time to time to destroy peace and hurt people. However, if the law deals with theft and violence, the worst effects of sin will be restrained.
In his book Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes claims that in the state of nature people will be brutish and violent with everyone fighting against each other. A strong political leader with a monopoly on the right to violence is needed to keep society under control. This view is now widely accepted as a justification for political power.
Moses says something different. Humans will have violence or larceny in their hearts from time to time, but good laws will be enough to restrain them. A strong authoritarian political leader is not needed to maintain the peace (according to Samuel a strong leader will destroy the peace). The image of God is strong enough that most people have a desire for peace and harmony in their hearts, and will be able to live in peace, provided they are supported by good law.
1 comment:
The fact that all humanity is created in the image of God has a positive influence on human behaviour.
There is another "constitutional" element that is not often considered in this context: a discussion of law and grace. This element also has a positive influence.
The direct relationship between God and his people at both corporate and individual levels is the element of which I speak.
The Tabernacle was called the “Tent of Meeting” because anyone, not just the Priests, could seek God and meet with Him there.
God personally met with and spoke with anyone in the nation of Israel. He did not do this exclusively with the Priests or Moses.
This non-exclusivity at least in part emboldened Korach to incite rebellion (Numbers 16:3).
The effect of this first hand contact with God should not be underestimated in its power to influence the behaviour of God’s people.
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