For The Bereans

I enjoy a good debate. I will debate with any and everyone — yes, including the LORD our GOD. You see, I take serious His invitation in Isaiah 1:18:

“Come now,” says ADONAI , “let’s talk this over together. Even if your sins are like scarlet, they will be white as snow; even if they are red as crimson, they will be like wool…”

Of my numerous debates with HaShem (The Name), one that stands out in my mind was sparked on the following claim found in Jeremiah 7:22-23:

For I didn’t speak to your ancestors or give them orders concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. Rather, what I did order them was this: ‘Pay attention to what I say. Then I will be your God, and you will be my people. In everything, live according to the way that I order you, so that things will go well for you.’

If you’ve followed this blog for any time at all, you know I’m very much into Torah study. I didn’t know nearly as much back then as I know now. But, one thing I did know is the LORD our GOD most certainly gave Israel orders concerning burnt offerings and sacrifices. So, I called Him on it (I know…it sounds so foolish. But, He never berates me. HE seems to appreciate my zeal…even when it’s misguided).

Not surprisingly, at least not those who know the the LORD our GOD, the debate didn’t last long. It went something like this:

HE said, “No, I didn’t.”

I said, “Yes, you did.”

HE said, “Not when I first brought them out of Egypt. Go, look again.

So, I turned to Exodus. Truth be told, I was looking for the chapter and verse where He spoke of sacrifice so I could prove my point. But, what I found was this (19:3-6):

Moshe went up to God, and ADONAI called to him from the mountain: “Here is what you are to say to the household of Ya’akov, to tell the people of Isra’el: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will pay careful attention to what I say and keep my covenant, then you will be my own treasure from among all the peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you will be a kingdom of cohanim for me, a nation set apart.’ These are the words you are to speak to the people of Isra’el.”

“Get outta here!” I thought to myself. Before the “Thou shalt not’s” and the “you shall’s” there was an “if you will.”

Imagine that. The LORD our GOD’s first priority was not to give a list of commands, but to be received as Commander. Better yet, His desire was that His grace (promise of becoming His treasure) be received by faith (confidence in that promise, despite no further evidence of the promise, than the credence of the one who promised).

The same priority exists today. The LORD our GOD’s intent is to have us in a trust-based relationship. That is not to say the commands are not important. Most assuredly, they are. But, they are not self-important. Rather, they are rules and regulations specifically designed to maintain right relationship.

It’s easy to get focused on the commands apart from the Commander. But, that leads to lovelessness. It’s just as easy to get focused on the Commander apart from His commands. But, that leads to lawlessness. The good news us, it doesn’t have to be one or the other. Rather, He intends we enjoy each with the other. For, the Commander has always offered: if you love me, keep my commandments