Resist Regression

As I read through the ceremonial law of Israel I think, “Why did God give them all this religion?” I believe God gave them Judaism because He knew that if He didn’t they would create their own religion. Indeed, they became impatient while Moses was on the mount and began to worship the golden calf (Ex32). God knows that man has a propensity to be religious. That is why he warned them not to adopt the religions of the land to which they were going (Ex 34:17-18). Judaism provides the Israelites with the “training wheels” they need to learn how to relate to God. In the New Testament the training wheels come off. Christianity has very little prescribed Law or ritual. Rather, we follow moral principles as we pursue a relationship with God. Of course, we have a tendency to return to “training wheels.” We must resist this regression.