That trespass might increase?

     If you missed Wednesday's blog scroll down. It is the subject of today's blog.  

     The word "increase" we put in italics. Some wonder why God would add hundreds of laws only to increase disobedience. Great question. So, we searched Old Testament commentary.  

     God introduced law at Mt. Sinai, after He led the people out of slavery, a hardship for sure. The Ten Commandments are often read in Christian services today...or they were? But God didn't stop with 10. From Exodus through Deuteronomy (40 years) there were enough laws to...well, someone counted 613 laws.  

     When Moses was relieved of duty and Joshua took the lead, God helped them fight their way into the Promised Land. Once they settled, the law wasn't very desirable. Near the end of life, Joshua told the people (Joshua 24:15) "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...other gods or the Lord." 

     Disobedience. They weren't ready for self-government either. More sin, more abundant grace. Law was to teach the meaning of sin. When they didn't learn...off to Babylon.  

     "If righteousness comes by law, Christ died for nothing" (Gal. 2:21).

     "Law is only a shadow of good things to come" (Hebrews 10:1).

     "I will boast more gladly about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest on me" (2 Cor. 12:9). 

PS. Israelites today (religion aside) may be the best citizens in the world. Jimmy