“but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:19b
As most will recognize, today’s verse is from the Sermon on the Mount. As I’ve commented in the past, this is one of my favorite parts of the Bible, and IMHO, one of the Most Important. Each time I’ve read through it (some 46 times), it becomes more fresh and meaningful. Today is no exception and here are my thoughts!
Jesus has just stated in Verse 17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.” Many today, would use this as their Foundational Truth to eliminate the Law of God from their Christianity; as a way to remove the 10 Commandments in having any relevance in their lives. But as Jesus continues, He makes it abundantly clear, that was not His purpose.
Notice that Word “keeps”. It clearly puts an entirely different Light on what Jesus meant by “fulfill”! Yes, we are Made Righteous by His perfect Law Keeping! Yes, we are Saved and Accepted by God by His Perfect Sacrifice. But that does not Eliminate the Law from our lives, it actually gives us the Power and Grace to KEEP IT! That is why He commends those that “teaches” it as well! It was then, and it should be now, part of The Christian Life. And if it is, we have this promise: “shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven”.
Oh God, may it be so!!!