Scripture
I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 5:18-19

Observation
It is popular to say, “I’m not under the law because I don’t live by the Old Testament but by the New!” But Jesus never said any such thing.

The preachers of his day focused all of their attention on protecting their reputation. They feared public shame lest they be seen to break one of the commandments. So they built little rules around the big commands of God so that they would not be in danger of breaking the biggees. For example, the law said not to work on the Sabbath. So the Pharisees made a rule against picking out lice from their hair on Saturday, because that would qualify as hunting which everyone knew was another form of work. There were many other “rule-ettes” just as clever.

Look at how Jesus handled the law. Every time in the Sermon on the Mount that mentioned a law he did not protect reputation, instead Jesus guarded his heart. So the law against murder became a look at resentment in the heart. The law against adultery became a look at lust in the heart.

Application
Here’s the lesson for me…for us: all of the Old Testament law is still standing to bring me to reflect how my heart attitude can be adjusted into something more useful to the Holy Spirit. What is out the window is using obedience to the law as a way to impress God. But the law still stands. It is up to me to go beyond the black and white of God’s rules and to use it like a color chart to spot the grays of my own heart.

Best of all, I admit I cannot change myself, but Jesus can. He is not searching for more commitment from me. What he wants is my surrender and Jesus will do the rest.

Prayer
Lord, here is my heart. Trying to reach it and change it is like scratching my back. I need help from another and you are the only one. Help me in pressured times when all eyes are on me not to become a neo-pharisee and to use the law as a mirror to improve my appearance. Instead, keep me looking at the internals not the externals. For what impresses me and others doesn’t interest you. Help me to remember how interested you are in what no one else can see but you. Amen.