Word for Wednesday
But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held, that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. Romans 7:6
Two men stood before the judge in the old courthouse, to hear the verdict after the trial into robbery charges against them. The men had arrived in chains, and those chains were removed temporarily to permit the accused men to occupy the prisoner’s dock. Two wary sheriff’s deputies stood beside the dock, watching the men to make sure they made no false moves until the chains could be put back on. The judge took his time recounting the evidence, reciting the legal precedences, and finally came to the conclusion. Looking at the first man, the judge declared, ‘On the basis of the evidence presented here, I find you guilty!’ Turning to the second man, the judge declared, ‘On the basis of the evidence presented here, I find you not guilty!’ The first man was led out the back door of the courtroom where the chains were put back on his hands and feet, and he was led off to jail. At a nod from the judge, the second man stepped out of the dock, and walked out the front door. He was like saved sinners, rejoicing in his new freedom.
We recognize that the law condemns us. We accept that the letter of the law offers us no hope. We were born in that condition and remained there until we received deliverance. Until we entered into the newness of Spirit that enabled us to exercise our freedom in works of righteousness. Just as the man in shackles was unable to do anything worthwhile, so we were useless as servants when we were under the law. But under the spirit, we are set free to serve the purpose for which we were created. Like the man who walked free from the courtroom, we have no desire for the handcuffs and leg-irons. Or do we?
There is something about the works of the law that appeals to our old nature. Our pride likes to take credit for fulfilling what the letter of the law says. We build rules and regulations around ourselves, and make sure that we and others around us follow those rules. Sadly, some of God’s Assemblies get caught up in the legalism that Paul is warning the Romans about. There is no reward for fulfilling the works of the law. There is no glory for God in submission to the letter. But there is a reward for serving in newness of spirit, and God is glorified in such service.
Is our service to God in newness of Spirit or in oldness of the letter? Let us serve in freedom and rejoicing. -Jim MacIntosh