The law from your mouth is more precious to me
Psalms 119:72 (NIV)
than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.
The Psalmist was referring to the laws that Yahweh gave Israel through Moses. Elsewhere, this Psalmist refers to them as precepts, decrees, commands and statutes. These laws were worth more than a fortune in gold and silver. Yahweh’s laws allowed the Psalmist to live an upright and fruitful life, in contrast to many others around him. Yahweh’s truths gave the Psalmist blessing (119:1), counsel (119:24), hope (119:43) freedom (119:45), knowledge (119:66) and good judgment (119:66). They kept him from worthless things (119:37).
How much more valuable are God’s commands under the New Covenant! Jesus taught us how to live a fruitful and fulfilled life in a painful and hostile world. He taught us how to walk in the Spirit and put his Spirit inside us so we could follow his commands. He showed us how all God’s commands flow from his love for us, and that we follow his commands out of love for God and others. If we will follow his laws he will give us his kingdom and restore his image in us.
Some people shy away from focusing on God’s commands for fear of appearing legalistic or overburdening themselves and others. It does not seem like they delight in the directives that Yahweh gave us through Jesus’ apostles. Yet, should we not rejoice in commands? Are they not the path to a better life that others cannot have because they reject the commands of God? Even theologians shy away from the commands of God; their books are filled with truths but skimp on the hundreds of imperatives in the New Testament. This is why so many seminary graduates do not know the way to greater maturity nor how to lead others to maturity beyond the basics.
God’s commands are worth more than all the earthly blessings humans pursue. They are infinitely precious to us because they keep us abiding in Christ and in his love. Jesus said: “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love” (John 15:10, ESV). What is more valuable than the blessing of abiding in Christ’s love?
