Laws and Love Again, Again

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of the people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27

  Once again, I find myself needing to work through a perspective that has rocked my world and fundamentally changed everything I had believed Christianity should look like.

  Jesus challenges the rigid structure around the Sabbath, the mandated day of rest for the Jewish people, a few times. Saving a donkey that had fallen down a hole was one. When the date of circumcision fell on the Sabbath, how it superseded the Sabbath laws is another. Then there is this passage.

  So what needs is Jesus talking about?

  Within my lifetime I have seen stores remain open on a Sunday, the most common Christian Sabbath. It didn’t used to be that way because the understanding was everyone was entitled to a day of rest so they can spend time with God and family. We are not so Christian centered today as Canada becomes increasingly multi-cultural. It’s only Christmas Day and Easter Sunday which are mostly observed as national holidays. (Hmmm, not holy days.) Even so, there are restaurants, gas stations and a few small variety stores which remain open. Obviously there is a need. Or have we become habituated to convenience? Or does this reflect the decline in Christian numbers?

  As well, family dynamics have changed over the last (gasp!) half century. In most families, both parents work full time. There is an increase in single parent families. This has a direct impact on what happens during a weekend.

  Is this another “water jug” teaching?

  The Laws were given to the Jews, not to Christians even though many Christians have adopted them as part of their faith structure. I admit to having been one such believer but now realize Law keeping goes against everything Jesus’ life gave us. The Law is a jumping off point in His teaching about love, the fulfillment of their purpose. (Help me wrap my head and heart around this, my Lord!)

  Not that Christianity is the gateway to chaos! But we have a higher calling: to love others just as Jesus loves us.

  And it’s this higher calling that has me desiring every day becomes a Sabbath day, a holy day, a day of rest in the Lord. One day a week isn’t enough because I need the love of Jesus to infuse all my actions, thoughts and deeds. (Smile.) Yes, this is a work in progress!

  So it’s far more important for me, a follower of Jesus, to continue learning about divine love, not the love with its laws and conditions that had done such damage. Oh, Lord, how far I have come!!

  And maybe that’s as good a barometer as any. True love does no damage. It inflicts no harm. It passes no judgment. It encourages, raises up and restores. It has room for grace and forgiveness.

  Is this type of love easier than keeping the law? No. Is it impossible? No. (Smile.)

  Law keeping keeps us apart from God. Love keeping is completely relational. And that is the best thing of all. AMEN!