What Does the Lord Require of Us?

By Joyce Webb 2009

If we asked most people this question, we would probably get one of these answers:

1. Be a good person. Don’t cheat, or murder, or steal. Be kind.

2. Do the best you can do.

3. Obey the 10 Commandments. Try to do good.

4. Love God. Try to live according to the Bible.

What does the Bible say that the Lord requires?

Moses also told the people of Israel:

“And now Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require (must do) of thee,

But to fear the Lord thy God,

to walk in all his ways,

and to love him,

and to serve the Lord they God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

to keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes (laws), which I command (tell) thee this day for thy good.” Deut. 10:12

The prophet Micah repeated Moses’ instruction in a shorter version.

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good;

and what doth the Lord require of thee,

But to do justly,

and to love mercy,

and to walk humbly with thy God.”

Micah 6:8

 

A Pharisee asking Jesus: “Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law?

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

This is the first and great commandment.

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

Upon these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Jesus said that the most important commandment was the first one–to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul.

And then—we are to love our neighbor as we love our self.

Upon this hangs all the other commandments. If we love God with all our heart—this love will be shown to others and we will not sin against them.

In Exodus 20 we read the 10 Commandments. The first on tells us not to have any other gods before God. The second commandment says not to make a graven image (man made shape of something) to worship.

These two commandments Jesus said mean to love God first, best, and only.

Commandments 5-10 have to do with the way we treat others. If we keep the first two commandments—then we will keep the others.

What does the Lord require of us? To love Him with all our hearts, minds, souls. The put God first, best, and only in our worship.

How do we go about doing that?

Religious people throughout history have had ideas and teachings about that.

Some religious groups require a very strict obedience to many rules. Most of these rules can not be found in scripture. They are man made.

Some religious groups require people to make long pilgrimages (trips) to far places. Some give high respect and honor to those who go through physical pain and sufffer, or go without food or something else that is really necessary.

Some groups tell people to dress a certain way, or to not use things like electricity or other modern things.

Some have rules for men to have many wives.

All of these man-made rules are said to be for the purpose of helping people keep their minds on holiness and God.

In each of these groups, what stands out the most —-is that the people have their eyes more on what they do or not do—– than having their eyes on God.

There is no great spiritual value in going to a certain place that is considered to be more holy.

Jesus told the woman at the well in Samaria, “The hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father….But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24

The Jews had been instructed from Old Testament times that they were to go to one place–where the tabernacle was—to worship—later when the temple was build—it was Jerusalem.

But Jesus is upsetting that rule by saying a new rule has come. Worshipping God in your spirit–wherever you are—and when the Holy Spirit “is come, He will guide you into all truth. John 16:13.

There is no need to visit a special place to be more holy.

Giving up things to be more holy does not make God think better of us.

For one thing, if we obey the first commandment to love God with all our heart, mind and soul—we have in essence given up anything that would come before God. This is to be a way of life. God comes first.

Wearing one kind of clothing over another, except for modesty, has no spiritual value. Eating one kind of food over another has no particular value either—- as Peter learned one day with his vision. Acts 10: 9-48

Jesus told the people that it is not what you put in your mouth and eat that defiles you (makes you dirty spiritually), but what comes out of your mouth and heart. Matthew 15: 18-20

Physical pain and suffering has no spiritual value. Jesus already bore pain and suffering on the cross—his one time sacrifice was enough. I Peter 3: 18

The Jewish leaders were some of the worst at making all kinds of rules and traditions that men should follow to be holy or acceptable to God.

Jesus spoke against these to the people: “Woe unto you also, you lawyers! For you laid men with burdens grievous (hard) to be born, and you yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.” Luke 11:46

Sometimes the man made rules became more important than obeying God’s commandments.

Jesus said, “Why do you also transgress (break) the commandments of God by your tradition?” Matt. 15:3

Vs. 6 “You have made the commandments of God of no value by your tradition.” vs. 8 “This people come near unto me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. In empty words they do worship me, teaching for doctrines (truth) the commandments (rules) of men.”

This is the danger of manmade rules. They can follow them carefully and be very strict. Their trust soon comes to be in their following the rules—–in doing things right— rather than their relationship with God.

They honor God outwardly, but their hearts are far from God. They appear to be holy, but their hearts are far from God.

People who follow rules seem to think more on the rules than on a personal real relationship with God.

The whole point of the commandments was to get men to put God first in their hearts. It was all about relationship.

A relationship of wholehearted love and devotion is the main requirement.

Sacrifice alone does not show love.

Micah reminds Israel in verses 6 and 7 Chp.6 that sacrifice alone will not meet God’s requirement.

No matter how many animals are killed and offered—if our heart is not fully connected to God —the sacrifices have no meaning.

Saul disobeyed about keeping some animals after a battle. Then he got tired of waiting for the prophet/preacher to show up, so Saul offered an animal sacrifice on the altar. He knew that only the priest was to do the sacrifice. He told himself that sacrificing to God would make God pleased with him. God would overlook his disobedience.

Samuel arrived and spoke very strongly to Saul, “To obey is better than sacrifice.” I Samuel 15:22 “Is the Lord happy in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord?”

So many religious groups have put an emphasis on “sacrifice”.

They teach their followers that sacrifice show they are spiritual. That giving up things shows God we love Him and have deep love for Him.

After a time— this puts more importance and trust in giving things up—– than in deep love and relationship to God.

Paul wrote to the Colossians “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy (man’s ideas about God) and vain deceit (false ideas), after the tradition (rules) of men, after the rudiments (ideas) of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwells (lives) all the fullness of the Godhead bodly. And you are complete in Him….” Col. 2:8-10

People love to rule over others.

It began in the Garden of Eden when Satan tempted Eve. He said, “you will be like the gods”.

Satan had that problem in heaven. He wanted to be like the most High. Isaiah 14:12-15

Through the history of man there is the struggle of someone or some group to rule over others. To become “gods” in a sense.

The history of religion has had many groups who held complete power over both the spiritual lives and physical lives of others.

There were people like Jim Jones, and others who said bad things would happen if people did not obey, or they promised greater holiness to those who did obey.

As adults we need to look carefully at what we have been taught and evaluate it by the truth of the scriptures.

There is a warning to be careful about letting others control you spiritually.

Jesus told the disciples: “Do not be called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ: and all ye are brethren. And call no man you father upon the earth; for one is your Father , which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters; for one is your Master, even Christ,” Matthew 23:7 -10

Jesus told the disciples when he ascended (went up) into heaven was to go “teach” and make disciples. Teach what the truth was about Jesus.

People who become teachers of Jesus’ words, should not try to rule over others. Jesus told them to be leaders, examples, teachers—not rulers. There is a difference between a leader and a ruler.

Jesus is our Teacher. God is our Father. The Word of God is for us to study for ourselves and learn. The Holy Spirit will lead us into truth.

It is helpful to study what learned men know about the scriptures and customs (ways of living) of the Jewish people and Bible times.

But we are not to honor them to the point of being in bondage to their leadership. We belong to God alone. Leaders are not to control us as Fathers or Masters.

Because as people we are basically selfish. Men’s demands are not always for our good. Leaders have loved the honor of others and power over them. Often they demand things that are for their own good and not for the good the people they lead.

Men having the best of plans can not sometimes see that their rules are demanding and controlling.

We need to study the scriptures for ourselves. The Lord has promised that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth. John 16:1 “….when the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth.”

Today we have so many English translations of the Bible. These translations have been done by respected learned men who have studied the old languages. They have studied the oldest writings of scriptures. We can trust that they understand the languages to write them into the English language.

Jesus told the people: “Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. And you will not come to me, that you might have life.” John 5:39, 40

The Jewish people were tied to following the letter of the law.

The Jewish leaders were so proud of knowing all about the scriptures. They could say them from memory.

Jesus is trying to get the people to see that He is central. It is not just knowing the scriptures.

Jesus said, “Look again at the scriptures and you will find that they speak of Me. I am the One who has life, but you refuse to come to me.”

But they never saw the truth of the Messiah in those scriptures and when Jesus came they did not see that He was the One the scriptures spoke of.

Knowing the scriptures was not the answer. That was like another man made rule or tradition. It was knowing the Person that the scriptures spoke of that was important. Loving God with all their hearts, minds, and souls.

The Jewish leaders loved their rules and their knowledge, but they did not love God and they failed to see the Messiah that God sent.

“He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” John 1:11

It’s all about relationship with Jesus and God the Father.

God’s word shows us how much he loves us. His word shows us that it is a relationship that he wants from us—more than service, more than sacrifice—he wants a relationship.

The Bible tells us over and over that the way to God’s heart is simply to love him.

God created us for His pleasure. Rev. 4:11 “….for you hast created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created.”

People have children for their pleasure. They expect to enjoy their children. People enjoy loving others and having others love them.

We are created in the image of God. God was the One who first had this idea. God had “children” for the purpose of loving them and having them love him.

The relationship that you have with your children is what brings you pleasure.

If your children love being with you, —if they enjoy your company, —if they enjoy doing things to please you—these are the things that bring you pleasure.

You may have several children. Even though you love them all, you find the most pleasure and feel the closest to the child who loves to be with you and be in your company.

That child may not even have the means to do things for you or give you things, but that child warms your heart because they love to be with you. They do things that please you, not just to win your favor, but because they want to see you happy.

Parents do not want their child to seek after them for only things that the child can get. Parents want the child to seek after them because they want to be near them and enjoy their company.

That is what God wants from us. God’s heart is warmed when we want to spend time in his presence. God would like us to do things to make Him happy and not just for the purpose of winning favor.

We may win favor–and that is a good thing, too, but deeper He wants us to be like a child who does things just to see his father or mother smile.

That is what makes a relationship.

Because many families do not provide the love relationship but merely the fear and do for favor—-people grow up with twisted ideas about a relationship with God.

The relationship with God becomes one of fear and do.

If we have learned wrong teachings of any kind –then we need to learn the truth and change the way we think to match truth. Nothing is helped by clinging to false understandings. The sooner one can change one’s thinking into truth —the sooner one can grow and proceed.

John 8:31,32 “Jesus said to those Jews which believed on him,

If you continue in my word, then you are my disciples really; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.”

Think of someone you love dearly. You know them well. You can tell what they are thinking by that tiny flicker in their eyes, or face, or body.

You sense things about them. You know when you have disappointed them or made them happy.

This is the kind of relationship God wants with us.

He wants us to see his heart in such a way that we sense his thoughts about us—24 hours a day.

There is an old hymn that says, “Nothing between my soul and the Saviour, so that his blessed face may be seen. Nothing preventing the least of his favor, keep the way clear, let nothing between.”

If you are serious about your relationship with your spouse, you want “nothing between” in your relationship with them.

With God we often seek “his hand” but not “his face”. God wants us to seek his face.

Often we want what his hand can give us in answered prayer for ourselves or for others.

God wants us to seek his face and heart.

Remember the story of Mary and Martha? Luke 10:38-42 “Mary was cumbered about much serving” and “Mary, sat at Jesus’ feet and heard his word.” Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you art careful and troubled about many things, but one thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

We hardly know how to relate to God unless we are doing something for Him. We hardly know how to pray unless we are asking him to do something for someone.

How many of you take your child—of any age—and hug them and tell them you love them, or appreciate them, or are grateful for who they are or what they have become?

How many of you do the same for your spouse? Are there tender touches and complimentary words?

This is the heart of a relationship.

It is not what you do for them, or what they do for you.

The relationship is because you love their inner beauty, their character, their personality, their kindness–you love who they are.

To have a relationship with them—you show this in physical touching and speaking.

God wants the same from us. He wants us to come into his presence and “hug” Him. Hold Him in our spirits for who He is—for his heart.

He wants to hear our words of how we are thankful and appreciate Him. He wants to hear the good things we think about Him.

By his spirit He will put into us His love feelings for us. It will complete us and fill us with joy.

Psalm 16:11 “In thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand are pleasures forevermore.

If you feel far from God and your fellowship with Him has been broken then you need to fix it.

If you have trusted in doing things or not doing things—- and upon this “work”— you think you will be counted righteous–then you need to give that up. You need to look at your relationship with God. “Examine (look carefully) yourselves, whether ye be in the faith…..” II Corinthians 13:5

If sin or unbelief has blocked you from fellowship, then come to God through Jesus and ask for forgiveness. Just as you would a person you had offended.

Jesus said, “…and him that cometh to me I will in no wise (way) cast out.” John 6: 37

I John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

“If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, …” I John 1:10 because God has said, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy (dirty) rags:”………for thou has hid your face from us, …..because of our iniquities (sins).” Isaiah 64:6-7

There are a great number of verses that have to do with our sin and asking for forgiveness.

God has promised to listen to our prayer for forgiveness and remove our sin from us…”As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions ( sins, law-breaking) from us.” Psa. 103: 12

This then opens up the door to fellowship. This begins our relationship with God. It is like meeting a person for the first time–from then on it is up to us to put forth the effort, time and openness to be a friend and to develop the friendship.

God will not make more of the relationship than you want it to be. He will watch, wait, encourage, remind, and in try to get you to build the relationship further—but He will not push. He seldom shouts. He will whisper.

Psalms 51: 16, 17 “For thou desirest (desire, want) not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest ( are happy) not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite (sorry) heart, O God, thou wilt not despise (hate).”

 

Questions You Might Ask:

What examples can you give of certain religions that require giving up things or going through painful suffering to prove deep love to God or to get favor with God? Does your religion encourage these things?

Is your church or religion full of many rules that make you give up things normal regular people do:? What are they?

Talk about examples of church leaders having more power over their followers than what should be.

What do we need to do to begin a relationship with God?

What do we need to do to keep a relationship going with God?