The Law does not oppress; it marks the pathway of life.
“I am the LORD your God. You shall therefore keep my statutes and my rules; if a person does them, he shall live by them: I am the LORD.” Leviticus 18.4, 5
Leviticus 18.1-5 is a very important text for understanding the purpose of the Law of God and the nature of the Biblical worldview. Contrary to what some may think, the Law of God is not an oppressive yoke to be born grudgingly and cast off when grace brings one to redemption. The Law of God is for life. God gave His Law to a people whom He had freely redeemed so that they might enjoy life as He intends it to be lived – in love, justice, and holiness.
Our text points to the practical focus of the Law of God by using a number of “action” verbs – “do” (vv. 3, 5), “walk” (v. 3), “follow” (v. 4), “keep” (vv. 4, 5), and “live” (v. 5). As we shall see, these verbs are chosen to make it clear to God’s people that the relationship they have entered into with Him is designed to shape and direct all aspects of their lives, all the time. God’s Covenant is not merely a “religious” covenant, to be invoked or practiced only in times of formal worship or spiritual disciplines. While these are essential for knowing God and honoring Him, the Covenant God entered into with His people is intended to affect their whole lives.
The Law of God points to the ways God intends His people to live – what they should do, how they should walk, what to follow and keep, how to live. We do not fulfill the purpose of the Law, nor gain its benefits, until, through obedience to God’s commands, the Law shapes our lives after God’s eternal design. We apply ourselves to hearing, reading, and meditating in the Law of God so that we may grow in our relationship with the Lord and our knowledge of His good and perfect will. But we must practice the Law in every area of our lives if we would know the promises God holds out to us in His Covenant.
For a more complete exposition of the promises of God, order a copy of T. M.’s book, I Will Be Your God, from our online store. Subscribe to Crosfigell, the devotional newsletter of The Fellowship of Ailbe. Sent to your desktop every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Crosfigell includes a devotional based on the literature of the Celtic Christian period and the Word of God, highlights of other columns at the website, and information about mentoring and online courses available through The Fellowship.
