November 2, 2022
“Why do you not understand my speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word.” John 8:43
Jesus has a wonderful way of putting His finger directly on errors in our lives. While this is done in absolutely pure and perfect love, we have become experts at dodging the commands given to us in His word. If someone were to ask me directly why this or that instruction of the Lord is ignored, a litany of “reasons” would likely be recited. If I find myself in a position of needing to “explain” a habit or practice that goes against Scripture, it would be wise to back up and humbly acknowledge the precarious path I have been traveling. My reasoning, when placed beside the true standard of judgement, will be seen for what it is: human ideas, conceived apart from God, that have been elevated above His word. Jesus spoke often of the devil’s influence on our thinking which renders us not able to listen (see also v.44). Jesus desires to enable us to listen that we might really hear what He is saying…
It is ironic that most of the Christian world cites the longest commandment of the decalogue as the one that is least important (the fourth commandment). Of course, all of the commandments are interconnected, as James reminds us: For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all (3:10). Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). A thoughtful look at the fourth one (see Exodus 20:8-11) reveals His unique identity as the Creator, for only He can supply the divine and sacred spark of life. We must know Who it is that we worship!
Later in the scriptures, the LORD adds an aspect of His identity to the Sabbath commandment. In addition to being the Creator, He is the only One who has the power to re-create us! It is all about renewal and restoration of the Creator’s original plan for each of us. King David prayed: Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
We are to come to Jesus just as we are. Oh, how He loves us! In a love relationship with Him, we will find that He faithfully guides us onto the paths of righteousness, also known as the process of sanctification. He is the Sanctifier and Redeemer. My sanctification is not only about me; it is about His name’s sake (Psalm 23:3) meaning His reputation and character in the eyes of others.
Moreover I also gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between them and Me, that they might know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them. Ezekiel 20:12