Last month, we focused on the character and nature of God and how we can find rest in Him. This month, we’ll be looking at the wrong perspectives people have of Jesus. This week, we’re reminded that God’s words are not mere suggestions, but are to be considered as laws that define life:

IN WORD – Consider how these passages portray God’s law:
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (Ps. 19:7–11)

Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.
Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. (Ps. 119:97–99)

God’s law is not a curse; it is a grace. God’s law is not a burden; it is a gift of hHis love. Immediately after redeeming hHis children from the slavery of Egypt, hHe took them to Mount Sinai to give them hHis law. He did this because they were the children of hHis love, the objects of hHis redemptive glory. As your Creator, hHe knows you, hHe knows the world you live in, and hHe knows the plans hHe has for you. Because hHe knows all of these things, hHe is infinitely more qualified to set the boundaries of your living than you are.
IN DEED – He is your sovereign Savior King, not the Suggestion Box Jesus. One of the sad and destructive desires of the sinful nature is the desire for self-rule. One of the dark delusions of sin is that it causes us at points to buy into the insane thought that we might be smarter than God. His grace works in your heart of submission, that is, a heart that esteems hHis authority and finds joy in hHis law. - “Maybe you want the Suggestion Box Jesus, whose law is more advice than command. He will be nothing less than the sovereign Savior King.” - Paul David Tripp (in “New Morning Mercies,” by Paul David Tripp)

Do you consider what God says as mere suggestions? They’re not, as Isaiah 55 reminds us. Take time this week to reflect on Isaiah 55, then on Psalm 119. When you place Jesus back in the right role, you will find that everything in your life will begin to fall into place, even the deserts and thorny fields. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you experience Psalm 119 more fully each and every day. Have a blessed week! – from Singapore, Pastor Sam