I have been studying the book of Romans over the last couple months. I came to a few verses today in Romans 10 that have struck me to write about.
Romans 10:3," For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law."
Usually when I have read this, I just gloss over it. Sometimes I think to myself, what's wrong with these Jews that they have incredible trouble believing in Christ Jesus. But when I think of all the thousands of years of tradition these people had to give up, I could understand their plight. Through many generations of ancestors, they have been taught the way of the law. Their fathers and grandfathers have exhibited their zeal for God by being steadfast to Moses' law. How now are they supposed to turn their backs on that now? You see, it's not the same of some Gentile that is not enriched in such a beautiful tradition. People that had no faith, no God, were much easily swayed to this new found faith in Christ after his resurrection. Being steeped in rules and regulations, I'm sure did not come easily. Their had to be a lot of sacrifice and discipline to be able to follow "the letter of the law."
I look at my life now, being raised in the church all my life, faith is all I knew. Saving grace is such a beautiful thing. A personal relationship with a living God is something that is inside you. It cannot be quantified with solid evidence of following a step by step law. This is to our advantage and our disadvantage. The reason I say disadvantage is because although someones life looks like it is going great, and they are growing closer to God, they could be polar opposite of where I think they are. People, including myself, are great actors. Showing a bright, livid life when really there is darkness and depression. However, I do not believe one can have extreme faith and not show any works of following the law.
The old testament Jews had their laws which are different from new testament law. So how would one say they are right with God when nothing about their life is an example of following God's law? You cannot. As Christians we are not supposed to accept Christ and hide out until we die or Christ comes back. There are requirements this new life leads us to. A commission. A Great Commission. This commission is one of the hardest things I've tried to accomplish in my life. So although I struggle, it is in my heart to help fulfill God's plans.
I really do not know what I am trying to say, but that faith is hard. But also the law is hard as well. Christ never said that following him was going to be easy. Sometimes it takes going against tradition, or against your family, or prior beliefs. In a sense, I am content with our new way of faith, because if you know me, I am not good about following rules. If you tell me not to push the button, I will in fact push it. I don't know why my brain is wired this way, but I think it does bring a certain dynamic to my faith that can be used for good. However, my faith needs to reflect the rules God has given us, and hold on to and cherish the fact that He does give us grace. And also allow that grace to flow through me to the next person. My wife, my kids, my family, the guy who cut me off on the freeway.
I don't have it figured out. Even when I feel my closest to God, I still feel a great lack of understanding. But I believe, as frustrating as it may be, it is a good spot. How huge and powerful is our God that we can never have Him or His Word figured out.
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