Seeing beyond the written law

It’s easy to see all the laws in Exodus and Leviticus and think, “What do these laws have to do with me?”

Take verses 4-5, for example.

If you come across your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him.

If you see the donkey of someone who hates you lying helpless under its load, and you want to refrain from helping it, you must help with it. (Exodus 23:4-5)

What do you  think the odds are that you’re ever going to see any stray ox or donkey on the road, no less an enemy’s one?

But it’s important to see beyond the letter of the law to the principle behind it. What’s the principle behind it?

Jesus tells us.

But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you…

But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return.

Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High. For he is gracious to the ungrateful and evil.

Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. (Luke 6:27-28, 35-36)

So as we look at all these commands in the Old Testament, look beyond the actual words, going to their heart.

And then most importantly, ask God, “What are you trying to tell me?”