Daily Devotinal Day 85

The ten commandments are laws and a covenant agreement that serve as a guide to God's will and His character so that we may approach Him. It was a way to get us close to God, but it wasn't meant to replace relationship with His people.

The law shows us that we will always fall short of complete fulfillment of it by ourselves. Our natural man doesn't have the character and makeup to have a relationship with God. We need God's help to keep the commandments and a covenant relationship. The ten commandments show us that we need more.

"So that the law served as our guide to Christ, to lead us until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. But now that the faith has come, we are no longer under a trainer. For in Christ Jesus, you are all sons of God through faith." (Galatians 3: 24)

It is not enough to try to please God through keeping the law. Jesus Christ is a better picture of what it takes to know God. He is His son. We are His sons. After salvation, the law keeps us walking properly during the process of transformation.

The law is part of our initial salvation experience. It leads us to Him and, subsequently, His voice. It shows us our shortfalls and that we need His grace and power to harmonize with God and live righteously. When we come to Him in salvation, we need time as we move on to perfection and completion. Observing the law gives us that grace and time. It keeps us surrounded by Him. As we grow spiritually, the law brings us to His voice. Hearing His voice strengthens our relationship with Him.

Knowing the law is first. Knowing His voice is better!

Meditate on the commandments. What do they reveal about the character of God? Read Isaiah 30 18-22. Meditate on God's graciousness and His desire to help and guide us with His voice!