Observation–As I’ve been reading the Old Testament, my understanding of the Law has been continually reconfigured.  I used to think of the law of Moses as a curse, as an unwieldy burden on the shoulders of God’s people.  But I’m increasingly understanding that the law of Moses was a gift, a blessing, that was meant to define and shape and draw God’s people to Himself.  The problem with the law is not that it was bad but that it was incomplete, insufficient.  I think this is why Jesus specifically said that He did not come to replace the law but to fulfill it.  These verses in Galatians seem to suggest the same thing.  The law offered protection for the Israelites, but upon the arrival of Jesus, that protection was now replaced by something much more freeing and life-giving.

Application–I want to continually check myself against my natural inclination to simply hate the Old Testament law.  Of course, some disdain for the law comes right out of the pages of the New Testament, and the incarnation of Jesus Christ makes it not only unnecessary but also unhealthy for us to be slavishly fixated on the law.  However, some of my distaste for rules and regulations is simply part of my belligerent, rebellious, sinful nature, in which I want to do whatever I want to do.  I want to continue to remember that the law was offered to the people of God as a blessing, and there is still much to be gained from reflecting on the Old Testament law to see how some aspects of it can offer me some protection and guidance.  Ultimately, however, Christ is the ultimate guardian and protector, and my attention to the law must always remain under the authority and influence of Christ.

Prayer–Lord, thank you for the law.  Thank you for its protection over your people for many generations.  And thank you for the ways that we can continue to benefit from the law, so many centuries later.  But, most of all, thank you for the fulfillment of the Law, in the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus.