Day 68: Deuteronomy 8-10; Mark 12:29-44

...for your own good.

When the scribe played the game with Jesus that scribes loved to play, there was something about his demeanor and response that got Jesus' attention: "You are not far from the kingdom of God" (Mark 12:34). Scribes were the students and interpreters of the law, but not just any law, Torah. It seems to me that this scribe had truly embraced Deuteronomy 10:12-22. He had moved away from the rule-keeping legalism that hoped to gain heaven by being good enough, to understanding that God's holy love motivated His relationship with His children and that His commands are 'for our own good' (Deuteronomy 10:13). When we love God with all we are (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Mark 12:29-30) and the corollary, love our neighbor with God's kind of love (Mark 12:31) we keep the whole law. Not only is everything about a right relationship with God, but we keep short accounts with one another and we love everyone for his/her sake and for God's. While this may not always be easy, this Christian journey of growing into Christlikeness bears out the truth. As the scribe had learned, this is of greater value than all the sacrifices and burnt offerings that could ever be made. Indeed, the Lord our God alone is God! He is our praise who has demonstrated His impartial love to everyone, having chosen us to be His very own. He is for us, and all He requires of us is for our own good. Let us love Him with all we are!