Let My People GoWritten by Joyce C. Lock
If you have ever been judged by someone who looked at outward appearances, without first having made effort to see your heart, you are not alone. The scribes and Pharisees sat in Moses' seat, while he took wrap (Mt. 32:2). There was no Christ in their message, for if righteousness could be obtained by following law, then Christ died in vain (Ga. 2:21). One day, Moses called Lord "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" (Lu. 20:3) and God called him to bush over it. God's response included something like this, "I don't think so. I am not dead!" (Mk. 12:27). Thus, Moses became a quick study in serving living God (Ex. 3:4). We can also know this because Moses was like Jesus (Ac.3:20-22) and both Moses and Jesus received their instruction directly from God (Ex. 33:11, Jn. 6:69). "Thou shalt not take name of Lord thy God in vain; for Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain," (Ex. 20:7). "Except Lord build house, they labor in vain that build it: except Lord keep city, watchman waketh but in vain," (Ps. 127:1). Moses, having learned spiritual application of law (Ro. 7:14, I Co. 2:13, I Ti. 1:8), became faithful in all his house; having stepped down from being 'in charge' to become God's servant (Lu. 16:13, He. 3:5). No doubt, Moses looks forward to hearing, "Well done."
| | LegalismWritten by Joyce C. Lock
Within Christian circles is known term 'legalism'. We know it when we see it, couldn't possibly be guilty of it, but know someone who is. When pressed to define it, bottom line answer is, "Not what we're doing." What makes this word so unthinkable? We can confess to lies, cheating, stealing, adultery, gossiping, and more. But, no way could 'we' ever fall prey to legalism. Perhaps, we need to feel superior to each other. Though, surely we're not claiming superiority over great men of old!? The Apostle Paul had a terrible time overcoming legalism and was not too proud to admit it. So, what is legalism? Any custom, routine, obligation, service, regulation, or deed performed to win God's acceptance and favor fits into that category. The Pharisees were great at it. Paul gave a simple definition. He called it 'confidence in flesh' and 'having our own righteousness' (Ph. 3:4, 9); as if there is anything we could possibly do to measure up to God.
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