Love or a Terrible Bondage?

The other day a dear friend asked with a pained expression on his face, “Why do you have to speak Hebrew? Doesn’t God understand English? Why do you have to keep the Law? And WHY do you have to keep the ancient holy days? Didn’t Christ die to free us from that bondage?”

  

Funny thing is, I was saying the same exact things just weeks before! Both of us had the same training in the same Bible college and missionary program. We had each been schooled in the same philosophy, which I now know has a name: Replacement Theology. In fact, we had both served the greater part of our adult lives overseas teaching these things! 

Now, here I am, speaking publicly and teaching what I’m learning (and UNlearning) to small groups! I can’t help it. I have to share what I believe to be the truth—even though I may have missed it for four decades. 

The answer to my friend's questions is pretty simple: I don’t have to. I get to! 

Let’s put it in context. 

A young man meets and falls in love with a beautiful woman. He is overjoyed when she accepts him and they are betrothed for life. Wow! 

He never thought he could be so happy. He’s walking on air! The sky looks bluer, and the grass greener than he ever imagined. He can’t wait to come home just to be with her. 

Suddenly, the thought crosses his mind—now he has to come up with something for Valentine’s Day! Birthdays and anniversaries! 

Oh dear! He has been burdened with a lifetime of celebrating and honoring his beautiful wife. Maybe she isn’t worth all that effort! What will it cost to get her favorite flowers and chocolates year after year to show her how much he loves her? 

Do you think he will suffocate with this awful burden, or will it be a delight to him to express his love at every occasion just to see her smile? Just to enjoy being with her! Wouldn’t it be a pleasure for him to spend special times in her presence? 

Shouldn’t it be? 

It is the same way with keeping the Sabbath and honoring the feasts of the Lord. 

The commandments are already in our hearts, perfectly within reach, and they are not burdensome. (Not my words, but God's in Deut 30:11-14 and also the brother of Jesus in I John 5:3.) 

They are a delight!  They express a relationship, a privileged connection to the One who loves you and gave Himself for you. 

God doesn’t force us to follow Him, but we get to. 

Do you want to be closer to God? Choose to honor Him in all your ways and follow all of His Word, and there is sure reward and depth of joy unlike anything this world can offer. 

As James said, 
“Draw near to Him 
and He will draw 
near to you.”