The speed limit in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri is 70 MPH. I've been driving through those states this week. Most drivers exceed the limit, including yours truly. 75 MPH seems about right yet I was passed by others frequently.
Our town does not allow open burning yet camp fires routinely take place in my back yard. It seems most of my neighbors also ignore the rule.
My property is not zoned for agriculture therefore backyard chickens are prohibited. Fortunately the rule is only enforced if there is a complaint. (So please don't complain!)
I am not good at keeping all the rules. How about you?
What do you think about all the rules you've read this week?
I admit I would not have done very well in the new culture of Israel. I like to think I'm law abiding citizen but on day one I'd probably have plowed with my ox and donkey yoked together or cut firewood on the Sabbath Day or killed and eaten a rabbit. And I know for sure that once the aroma of bacon came across the valley from my pagan neighbors a sample would be only fitting. ( Sorry Al Deacon but eating road kill was also prohibited!)
God set up the rules to remind his people there were separate. from the surrounding cultures. He also set up many safe guards to make things right when the rules were forgotten and broken. Even in this long section of laws we see His grace.
I am so glad I live on this side of the cross! All those laws and all my guilt we're wiped out in once single act!
He forgave us all our sins, having cancelled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. (Colossians 2:9-15)
At the Good Friday service in a local Lutheran church last year, my friend Steve instructed his people to write down one sin on a piece of paper. He then asked them to come to the front where there was a large wooden cross and hammer and nails. He asked them to nail their paper to the cross. I can still hear the sound of those hammers even ten months later.
Our guilt is NAILED!
For guys like me Jesus made it simple. Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. Let's get busy doing that.
You are invited to my house for a campfire with fresh road kill and illegal eggs for dinner. Just don't get caught speeding on your way over.
Make a great