Beautiful Word Devotional #134

“Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the LORD.”

Leviticus 18:5

In order to keep the laws, a citizen must first know the laws. And this is true for us as we follow God. We must be aware of the laws of God. They are clearly spelled out in the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament; in the New Testament Jesus summarized them for us: “Love God; love others.”

But merely knowing the laws doesn’t mean automatic obedience. Instead we need a new heart, a new willingness to obey, as well as the strength the Holy Spirit gives us. The Old Testament shows us how futile it is to try to keep the law in our own strength. Left on our own, we sin—a lot.

Thankfully, this promise in Leviticus is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection mean God regards us as righteous. Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit means we are empowered to obey God’s commands. May we do exactly that!

Lord, thank you for empowering me to live a life worthy of you—a life characterized by peace, obedience, and love, amen.