*Deuteronomy 7-8
*Psalm 25
*Mark 10
“…Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17)
I suppose that this question directly and pointedly asks the question we all wonder at in our heart. Hebrews 11:6 clearly states “…for he who draws near to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.“. God doesn’t require blind and unthinking obedience, he is a God of reason, and wants you to understand that there is a reward for your obedience and faith; there’s a reason you should want to do what God tells us.
If this was not the case, this would have been the perfect opportunity for Jesus to say “Hey man, why are you being so selfish?”, but Jesus recognized the sincerity of the man’s question and answered him equally sincerely by saying, “…Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments, ‘DO NOT MURDER, DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, Do not defraud, HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.’” (Mark 10:18-19 LSB).
There are 2 very important bits that we need to take away from this response. Firstly Jesus said “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.”. This is (yet another) clear delineation between our King, the Christ (anointed one), and God Himself. If you have a more “complex” interpretation of God than is explicitly stated biblically, this verse creates complex issues, if you’re being honest. There’s a simpler reading. Secondly, Jesus’ first “go to” response is “what do the commandments say?” (Exodus 20, for reference).
Jesus then goes on to say the man should sell all that he has, and give to the poor. Keeping the commandments alone isn’t enough. This makes the man sad because it seems as if his priority is wealth. If you like, do a study on the Jewish concept of “tzedekah”; it’s a great understanding of how we should view worldly wealth conceptually (and most Christians have never even heard of it). We’ll have a devotion that focuses on that concept later.
In this present evil age, it is very difficult to keep our priorities straight. We are constantly bombarded with imagery and concepts that are intentionally designed to divert our attention from our Creator and towards…anything and everything else. Jesus gave us our priority, and told us to actively strive for our reward in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (LSB). Our entire life should be focused on seeking God’s kingdom, and striving to have and exhibit the character of God.
The word here used for righteousness is δικαιοσύνην and could be more accurately translated (as most places that righteousness is used) as “equity”, and I prefer that translation as it’s more accurate and has more depth and nuance to it. Here’s a handy definition of equity as a refresher:
Equity (noun): (from the American Heritage Dictionary of Common Language, 5th ed)
1. The state or quality of being just and fair.
- Something that is just and fair.
- Justice achieved not simply according to the strict letter of the law but in accordance with principles of substantial justice and the unique facts of the case
So we are to seek the Kingdom of God AND His (God’s) righteousness, or equity. To be just and fair, not just by the letter of the law, but in our entire character and intent. Note that this latter command to seek the righteousness of God is not only a job, but is in itself a reward, and is a necessary component to entering His Kingdom. This character reflects not only how we are supposed to act, but how we are supposed to be, deep down inside where people can’t see.
“For you are a holy people to Yahweh your God…You shall know therefore that Yahweh your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His loving-kindness to a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments…Therefore, you shall keep the commandments…”(Deut 7:6&9-11, LSB) So, is it important to keep the commandments? Well, according to Jesus our King, it is. Then after we submit to this foundational obedience we must go even further, not just obeying the letter of the law, but actually modelling the character of our amazingly wonderful Creator, Yahweh God.
We’re easily misled, as humans. Sometimes by people, sometimes by traditions that people have elevated, and sometimes even our own hearts can lead us astray. We know from scripture that “the heart is more deceitful than all else” (Jer 17:9 LSB), and that we are to “Trust in Yahweh…lean not on your own understanding” (Prov 3:5-6 LSB). God gave us His word, the scriptures, to be our guide. All of the scriptures. In our reading of Psalms 25 today, we have some of our promises and instructions for being “qodesh”, or holy: “Make me know your ways, O Yahweh, teach me your paths…Good and upright is Yahweh, therefore He instructs sinners in the way…and may he teach the humble His way...for Your name’s sake, O Yahweh, pardon my iniquity for it is great…the secret of Yahweh is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant.” (Ps 25:4,8,9,11-14 LSB) This tells us clearly that even in this present evil age when we are so easily confused and misled, God Himself will instruct us, if we humbly and obediently seek Him.
When Jesus was tempted, after fasting for 40 days in the wilderness, the first thing he was tempted with was food. Have you ever fasted for more than a day or two? Towards the end did you find that you were pretty focused on getting something to eat? Jesus’ reply to the Accuser was to quote the scriptures, “…man does not live by bread alone, but by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of Yahweh” (Deut 8:3, LSB). Interestingly, every rebuttal that Jesus gives while being tempted was from the book of Deuteronomy. Jesus seems to have thought Deuteronomy was pretty relevant; when asked what the greatest commandment was, he quoted Deut 6:4-5 (The Shema, that story is found in Mark 12) first as the greatest commandment. Is the Old Testament relevant to Christians? Well, to the Christ, it was. Is a servant greater than his master? When you are tempted, follow Jesus’ example; quoting the scripture not only chastens our enemy, but edifies ourselves with our intent. Memorize some key verses to help you in defending yourself.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Jesus saw the 10 commandments as basic foundational requirements. Do you obey all 10 of the commandments, as they are explicitly written? Why, or why not?
- We are to seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness (or, “equity”). How is that going for you? What can you specifically do on a daily basis to more accurately reflect the magnificent love and character of God to your fellow creation?
- We are all tempted in a manner that is specific to our weakness(es). Do you have at least 3 key scriptures memorized, to defend yourself from your specific temptations? What are they? If not, why?
PRAYER
Lord God Yahweh, please, teach me Your ways. Straighten my paths before me, Father, and lead me along the path that leads to Your kingdom. Circumcise my heart, and let me humbly seek your will through obediently following Your word and Your will, as given to us in scriptures and in the teachings of the Christ. Father, forgive me for when I fall short, please be merciful and loving towards me, and help me to reflect that mercy and love to all of Your creation. Thank you, Father, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Seek Grow Love 