Then he said, “Here I am. I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. - Hebrews 10:9-10

Devotion

Read Hebrews 10:4-10

In the early 90’s, Gary Chapman published a book called, “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts.” His premise eventually produced a series of eleven books describing how different people give and receive love in the context of various types of relationships. Some examples were acts of service, words of encouragement, physical touch, etc. The original book sold more than 20 million copies, and “What is your love language?” became a popular topic of conversation among Christian friends. 

In Old Testament covenants, the word “love” indicated commitment and loyalty to the terms of the covenant. It wasn’t a contract as much as it was a relationship. Israel had a covenant with God. The requirement of the covenant was obedience to the 10 commandments. The sacrificial system was given partly as a way to cover those times when they were disobedient. God communicated repeatedly to Israel that he desired obedience not sacrifice. (See 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 40:6-8; or Jeremiah 7:22-23 for illustrations of this.) 

Jesus, representing Israel and humanity, offered himself in perfect obedience to his Father’s will. When we are in Christ, we share in his perfect obedience. Theologians say we are justified. I had always heard that word explained as, “just as if I’d never sinned.” Pastor Lance Ward recently shared that it can also mean “just as if I’d always obeyed.” How sweet is that?  

In our culture, we associate obedience with the law, orders, or even our dogs, but obedience implies deep trust and even love. Think about when you recommend a book or give advice, and someone reads that book or takes that advice, don’t you feel valued? Obedience is God’s love language! Paul urges us in Romans 12:1, “… in view of God’s mercy, offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is your spiritual act of worship.” How do we do that? Imagine how God feels when we trust him enough to pray for our enemies. When we pray to him about situations in life and then carry out what his still small voice whispers. When we forgive as we have been forgiven. When we practice servant leadership with our employees or even our children, as Jesus did with his disciples. In each act, we declare our love for him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, help us to love you in your love language. Amen. 

Pam Barton
Spiritual Formation Team

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