There is no denying that Jesus was a messenger of love and grace. And there is no denying that the gospel of Jesus turned the established religion upside down. His message was one of faith over works. It was one that turned away from the hyperlegalism of the day to a more humble and forgiving form of faith. And I do not deny that the heart of the gospel is found in freedom from religious law. However, that does not mean that laws, rules, and guidelines are unnecessary. On the contrary-- we need them. Rules inform us on how to behave with one another. Laws provide a means of protection and defense. To be a Christian free from the law does not give license to live a lawless life. Instead, it means that there is a higher law-- God's law of love-- which should be the plumb bob-- the guide-- for all other laws. It is the law that supercedes and provides a model for what laws should be constructed. If say, there is a law against touching one's lips to another (perhaps in some cultures?), but one needs CPR, do you obey and deny it? No. God's law of love dictates that you save the life. Jesus himself said he wasn't abolishing the law, but fulfilling it.
Readings: 1 Chronicles 24:1-26:11; Romans 4:1-12; Psalm 13:1-6; Proverbs 19:15-16
