Man induced Law vs the Law of the Spirit

Man induced Law vs the Law of the Spirit

From the beginning of time there have always been those who set rules for the rest of the community.  When God set guidelines for his chosen people he established a strict format and we find it in the Pentateuch.  So when Jesus appeared confronting the Scribes and Pharisees and breaking many dietary laws and working on the sabbath (through healing) he suddenly became the distraction of the law and the prophets.  

It is no wonder that the leaders of the Jewish community wanted to silence Jesus’ teaching and did not accept him or his message.  However, these same leaders were very astute in the Old Testament and the main thrust of the message regarding salvation and God’s plan to redeem mankind was spelled out throughout the role of the prophets.  

“Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am well pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit;  he shall bring forth justice to the nations, not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street.  A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching.”   (Is. 42: 1 -4).  The Scribes and Pharisees  were well versed on the prophecies of God’s Messiah, a future savior, that would come and gather his people as a hen gathers her chicks. 

“But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathah, too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; Whose origin is from of old, from ancient times, Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne, and the rest of his brethren shall return to the children of Israel.  He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the Lord, in the majestic name of the Lord, his God. And they shall remain, for now his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth. He shall be peace.”  

(Mi 5:1 - 3).

“Now we know that what the law says is addressed to those under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world stand accountable to God, since no human being will be justified in his sight  by observing the law; for through the law comes consciousness of sin.”  (Rom 3:19 - 20).

“For sin is not to have any power over you, since you are not under the law but under grace.”  (Rom 6: 14).  

“We know the law is good, provided that one uses it as law, with the understanding that law is meant not for a righteous person but for the lawless and unruly, the godless and sinful, the unholy and profane, those who kill their fathers or mothers, murderers, the unchaste, sodomites, kidnapers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is opposed to sound teaching, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.”  (1 ™ 1: 8 - 11).

Law is opposed to the Spirit of God. when it is used to suppress goodness, morality, and justification towards God.  We must rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us and know which path to follow.  But after all our discernment know the Spirit will be our final choice.

As we reflect on the present situation of lawlessness that appears to be prevalent in our society the question will be how to adhere to our laws that may or may not be fair to all.  Daily we see the disruption of turmoil in every city in the country.  Some cities seem to overlook most felonies while innocent parties are being forced to adhere to tyranny from the government.  We are aware of right and wrong, yet almost like the Pharisees who placed unbearable requirements on their citizens and Jesus called them for what they were; hypocrites.  But our defense must be careful since confronting the current government could lead to jail time.  Yet, there must be a simple solution that will bring peace to the dilemma we live in.  Internal disrespect for unfair government control will grow like Marxism and we must be aware of the aspects that will be placed upon us all.   Keep your faith and follow the Holy Spirit.

Ralph B. Hathaway