Commandments!

For Sunday, December 1, 2024:

2 Thessalonians 1:3 NLT: “Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing.”

Jews searched the Torah and found 613 commandments, things believers should do to please the Lord. This exhaustive list was difficult to remember, and also difficult to execute.

Twice in the Old Testament we were given 10 Commandments, key points that really mattered. Mankind still wasn’t successful at being perfectly obedient, but it became easier. We were part of God’s value system, the rules made sense and the success rate increased.

Jesus made life even easier. In Mark 12:30-31, he said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.” I sometimes shorten that to, “Love God and love your neighbor.” It’s simple, repeatable and somewhat achievable.

Paul was praising the Thessalonian church. Their faith was flourishing which is loving God, and they took care of one another. In short, they loved God and their neighbors, which is what Jesus said to do! It’s what we all should do!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship