This is Your Wisdom

Deuteronomy 4:5-8

Have you ever thought about the fact that no one likes the speed limit? Some think it should be faster, but others feel it should be slower. An example of this is the section of Hwy 301 that I turn out onto going to work. Up until recently, it has always been a 35 mile per hour zone. For whatever reason, it is now a 45. I don't like it. People frequently drive 60 through there now. I'm not a slow driver, but that is too fast through town. There was wisdom in the slower speed.

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 “Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess. Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ “For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the LORD our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him? And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day?

Deuteronomy 4:5-8

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Moses began by telling the people that he had taught them the law of God. He did so because God told him to. Moses wasn't just telling them what they should do, he was setting an example for them. He (Moses) was not a perfect man, but he did strive to live a life of obedience to God. When he told them what God's law required of them, he was also living an exemplary life.

Moses was also calling the people to be an example to the nations around them. This was for them and future generations. Israel being obedient to God's law was to be a witness to the people who saw them. It would testify of God's goodness, righteousness, holiness, and love. This would only work if they obeyed God's Word. If they did not, they would look just like the people around them. There would be no witness. In living in obedience to God, the people would determine that Israel was a wise nation.

Moses told them that as the people saw their obedience to God, it would be an example of the closeness of God to them. Think about that for just a moment. Obeying the law of God would proclaim "Emmanuel", "God with us". The world would see that they were the Chosen people of God. He was both guiding the people and protecting them. He was in their presence.

Not only would the people see that God was with Israel, but they would see that His laws were good laws. The Psalmist said, "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple" (Psalm 19:7). Israel's obedience would draw others to God. As the Psalmist sang, it would lead to "converting the soul". Isn't that what God wants anyway? Doesn't He want people to turn their lives to Him? Moses said this would be done through His people being obedient to God's law. If this was true for Israel, and they did not see the Gospel as clearly as us, how much more is it true for us? While we do not live by the law out of compulsion, we should obey God's law out of love for the One who gave it, and love for the people that it protects. This is what Jesus meant when He spoke of the two great commandments. Our love and obedience to God are part of our witness of Jesus. He did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. If we are to bear His Name, we, too, need to fulfill the law to the best of our abilities.

Father, help us to not think that we know better than You. Your law is good and full of wisdom. Help us to see that wisdom and to reveal it to those around us who do not worship You. May they see our lives of obedience to You and be drawn to You and the salvation found in Jesus.