JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai.

In Exodus 31:18, the LORD gave Moses the two tablets of the covenant law. They were tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God. Mount Sinai represents the law of God for His people.

On these tablets were written the Ten Commandments. God’s laws were revealing God’s moral standards. None of us have lived up to all the commands all the time. That is why we need grace.  The law reminds us that we have fallen short of God’s glory and need a Savior. We don’t earn God’s love by obeying His laws, but are motivated to obey them because we know that He loves us. At the foundation of following God’s laws is love-love for God and loving our neighbor as we love ourselves.

Following God’s laws is not meant to be a reason for pride in ourselves. It is an opportunity to express our love for God. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands.”

Focusing on the law of love gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com