“The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to my heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to my eyes…They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, honey from the honeycomb” (Psalm 19:7-9, 10)
The law of the LORD – refreshing to the soul.
The precepts of the LORD – giving joy to my heart.
So, when’s the last time you looked at the Ten Commandments and thought, “refreshing!” and “oh, joy!” not in a sarcastic way, but with genuine delight?
Have you ever thought about God’s commandments and thought, “Wow! More precious than tons of pure gold.” Have you ever read God’s commands and thought to yourself, “Oh, so sweet! Sweeter than honey from the honeycomb!”
You see, we think of laws and commands as something that is restrictive and prohibitive. But that’s not how many Jews thought about God’s laws. They genuinely delighted in God’s laws. God’s laws were sweet to them because it showed them how to live. God’s laws were something to be celebrated, something to delight in because no other nation had a God who clearly gave them the secrets to happiness and joy.
Even the Sabbath laws and the thirty-nine different ways to protect the Sabbath command were there to honor God. In time, and within certain circles, these laws and commands were practiced legalistically. But that was not the intent of those who came up with the thirty-nine ways to protect the Sabbath command. They genuinely wanted to give God the best worship possible.
It is we who are mistaken when we view God’s laws and commands as restrictive and prohibitive. They are given to us so that we may truly live the life that God intends for us to live. They are gifts.
Praxis: Faith in Action 