In affirming that the love of God is keeping His commandments, God reminds us His commands aren’t grievous. (1Jn 5:3) His law, all of it, is profoundly good. (Ro 7:12)
Just take a gander at how God recounts His laws for a new generation (my summary):
- Love God and cleave to Him. (De 10:20)
- Hide God’s words in your heart and teach them to your kids. (De 11:18-20)
- Respect yourself. (De 14:1)
- Don’t eat disgusting things. (De 14:3)
- Enjoy God’s parties. (De 14:26)
- Feast with the poor. (De 14:29)
- Periodically relieve the poor of debt. (De 15:2)
- Be generous with employees. (De 15:14)
- Party with God in Spring, recalling His salvation. (De 16:3)
- Party with God in Summer, thanking Him for the harvest. (De 16:10-11)
- Party with God in the Fall, camp out with Him, thankful for more provision. (De 16:13)
- Ensure justice in all the land. (De 16:18)
- etc.
The pattern continues … Love God, respect yourself, party with God, care for the poor, be decent, be just … Really tough stuff here … They say God’s law is “a burden … legalism … just can’t do it.”
Can’t? Or won’t?
The carnal mind just isn’t interested in God’s Way, not even enough to find out what it is. (Ro 8:7-8) What a treasure we miss!