These be the words which Moses spake unto all Israel on this side Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against the Red sea, between Paran and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dezahab. Deuteronomy 1:1
Talk about legalistic! The book of Deuteronomy is saturated with instances of the terms ‘thou shalt’ and ‘thou shalt not’. Before he hands over the reins of leadership to Joshua, Moses makes sure the Israelites, on the verge of entering their promises land, know how to behave themselves as the people of God when they occupy the land. This book repeats the Ten Commandments as the guiding principles of the law, and it also unfolds instructions for every aspect of daily life in Israel. It also lays out the various punishments for violating the many laws. This legal document can be frightening in all that it demands. But not for us.
When a young man asked the Lord Jesus how to inherit eternal life, he was told that if he kept the law, he would live. But the young man’s response to only one of the laws shows his inability and inclination to keep the law. We are all the same; it is beyond sinful humanity’s capabilities and contrary to sinful humanity’s desires to meet the requirements of Deuteronomy. Thankfully, it is not necessary.
Deuteronomy was written for the children of Israel. I am not an Israelite. Neither are you (as far as I know). We do have our instructions though. The Lord Jesus had a commandment to give His disciples, and us: ‘A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34 The motive of love is entirely different from the thrust of the law in Old Testament days. Instead of the dread of punishment, we are motivated by gratitude and sharing. Instead of the demands of ordinances and sacrifices, we are motivated to follow the example of our Saviour.
The law of Moses was good, showing us that we could not keep it. The love of Christ is better, showing us that He kept it and bids us follow Him. – Jim MacIntosh
Here is the link to the video of this message: https://youtu.be/YT1lS2ILwuk