God gave His laws to the children of Israel through Moses in order to show them His desire for His people in regard to character, worship, relationship, and society.
According to a 3rd Century Rabbi, Moses have 365 prohibitions and 248 positive commander. So in all, 613 commands set the pattern that described a life as God had intended for His children to live in obedience.
But the ultimate purpose of Law was not in any way to make people good. In fact, it accomplished two things we would sooner not deal with:
1. The Law revealed sin; and,
2. The Law revealed a need.
The law is like a dentist little mirror with which the doctor checks for cavities and other abnormalities in the mouth. Its function is to reveal, not heal. It can show the area of problem, but it does not provide the solution.
And that is exactly what Apostle Paul is saying in Romans 7:7-11. Law shows us we have fallen short of God's demands and righteous requirements. But it cannot save us.
Once we come to understand and accept this truth - this problem of sin from which we cannot be freed on our own - we are then ready to share Paul's amazing confession in Romans 8:1-2:
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
And it is here that we understand our need for grace.
The best way we come to God is not after we have "cleaned up our act." It is before.
When we try to come before God, we come to him as did that rock-stacking brother from Max Lucado's Parable of the River.
Remember the Firstborn's words: "Favor won is no favor. Mercy earned is no mercy."
Come to the Father whose mercy can never run dry. Do not wait until you feel you are "good enough" to be accepted by Him.
--from Nakwon EM Jan. 28th Sunday Worship Service
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