For by the works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. (ESV)

Did you know that it is illegal in Alaska to whisper in someone’s ear while they are moose hunting? Or that it is illegal to give a moose alcohol or push them out of a moving airplane. Also, because this might actually happen, kangaroos and flamingos are prohibited from barber shops.  

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In general, we know that laws are put in place to protect people, property, or our environment. So, it makes sense for the speed limit to be 25mph in a school zone or to prohibit left turns on red. It even makes sense that you shouldn’t give a moose alcohol, but is it necessary to line that out specifically? It makes me wonder what exactly happened that they needed to add a law to the books for it. Especially for the barber shop one – what happened to make that law necessary?  

But let’s get serious for a minute – just as state and national laws are put in place for a reason (however odd that reason may be), God’s law was also put in place for a reason. Prior to God giving Moses the law, the Israelites were in Egyptian captivity for 400 years, freed through miraculous acts of God, and wandered the desert for about three months before reaching Mount Sinai where God would provide the law and establish his Mosaic covenant with his people.  

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The law provided a framework and guidance for the Israelites’ lives. Remember, they had just been freed from a pagan nation who worshiped many gods and practiced immoral acts to appease those gods. This was God’s loving kindness, showing them how he wanted them to live. It also revealed his holiness and his expectations for them. This law and way of living would set them apart from other nations and highlight their special relationship with God. Ultimately, the law was intended to lead the Israelites to recognize their need for a Messiah, Jesus Christ.  

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See friends, without some guidance, broken people tend to do stupid things – like pushing moose out of moving airplanes. And beyond the occasional dumb things people do, we need guidance on how to live morally in response to God’s holiness. The law demonstrated that we were unable to live it out fully to the extent of his holiness – therefore, the need for a Savior – for Jesus Christ.  

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This means we cannot be righteous just by obeying the law – the law was beyond our ability to fully obey. “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it – the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe” (Rom. 3:21-22). How was God’s righteousness manifested? Through Jesus Christ and your belief in him!

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What beautiful freedom is that? God knew that on our own we could not be fully moral, just, or virtuous. He knew that we would fail. He doesn’t require our good works to be able to rest in his presence – he wants our hearts, and he wants them fully.  

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Friend, what part of your heart are you holding back from God? Where are you trying to be “good enough” to be in God’s presence? Let it go! Give it all to God, accept the gift of Jesus, and rest in the knowledge that he did it all for you.  

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And by all means, don’t give alcohol to a moose.  

Father, you knew we’d never be enough, but you didn’t give up on us. You had a plan from your first breath of life that would make a way that we could be with you for eternity. Our failures, downfalls, and immorality don’t surprise you, but you want more for us. While we were still sinners (are still sinners), you gave us a way out – a way to be holy and righteous in your sight – apart from anything we can do but because of everything you did. For that, I will praise your name until my last breath. Thank you, Jesus! AMEN.