Opening Expectations

Psalms 119:1 (KJV) ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

(Proverbs 9 also read)

As I begin reading through this Psalm, I am confronted with two of the assumptions that will come up again, and again, not only here, but in the entire book.

The first assumption is that it is possible to walk “undefiled”, or “blameless”.  You’ll run into people who will tell you this is impossible.  You might recommend that they go back and read their Bible again.  Yes, we are all sinners.  That is clearly stated in both the Old and New Testaments.  In spite of that, by the grace of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, it is possible for us to live upright lives.

Secondly, we are to follow the law of the Lord.  I understand the point of the law in the Old Testament and the New.  The law does not save you.  It never could.  It never says it would.  Salvation comes from God.  Again that is an Old and New Testament truth.  The point of walking in the way is to show our devotion and to exercise the gifts that God gives us to go find Him and build His kingdom.  People living righteously are glory to God.

So?  Once again, it is not the law nor your efforts which save you.  That is a gift that God extends to you when you believe in Jesus.  At the same time, God expects you to live, according to His standards, not the standards of the world.