DIVINE LAWS ARE FOR OUR BENEFIT - Reasons for Cherishing Jehovah's Law

Reasons for Cherishing Jehovah's Law

We do well to cultivate a deep desire to understand Jehovah's law.  The psalmist expressed such a yearning when he said:  "Uncover my eyes, that I may  look at the wonderful things out of your law."  (Psalm 119:18)  The more we come to know god and his ways, the deeper will be our appreciation of  the truth of Isaiah's words:  " I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself, the One causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk.  O if only you would actually pay attention to my commandments!" (Isaiah 48:17, 18)  It is Jehovah's earnest desire that his people avoid calamity and enjoy life by paying attention to his commandments.  Let us examine some major reasons why we should cherish God's law.

Divine law comes from the One who knows us best.    Since Jehovah is our Creator, it is logical that he would know humans through and through.  (Psalm 139:1, 2; Acts 17:24-28)  Close friends, relatives, even parents cannot know us as well as Jehovah does.  Why, God knows us better than we know ourselves!  Our Maker has unparalleled comprehension of our spiritual, emotional, mental and physical needs.  As he directs his attention to us, he shows us an intimate  understanding of our makeup, our desires, and our aspirations.  Jehovah understands our limitations, but he also knows our potential for good.  says the psalmist: "He himself will knows the formation of us, remembering that we are dust."  (Psalm 103:14) Thus, we can have  sense of spiritual security as we seek to walk in his law, willingly submitting ourselves to divine guidance. -Proverbs 3:19-26.

Divine law comes from the One who loves us.  God is deeply concerned about our lasting welfare.  Did he not at great cost to himself give his Son as "a ransom in exchange for many?"  (Matthew 20:28)  Has Jehovah not promised that 'he will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear'?  (1 Corinthians  10:13)  Does not the Bible assure us that he 'cares for us'?  (1 Peter 5:7)  No one is more lovingly interested in providing beneficial guidelines for human creation than Jehovah is.  He knows what is good for us and where the line between happiness and sorrow is drawn.  Even though we are imperfect and make mistakes, if we pursue righteousness, he shows his love for us in ways that will result in life and blessings. -Ezekiel 33:11.

God's law is reassuringly unchangeable.  In the turbulent times in which we live, Jehovah is a rock of stability, existing from everlasting to everlasting.  (Psalm 90:2) He said of himself:  "I am Jehovah; I have not changed."  (Malachi 3:6) God's standards, as recorded in the Bible, are completely reliable-unlike the quicksand of constantly changing human ideas.  (James 1:17) For example, for years psychologists advocated permissive child rearing, but later some changed their minds and admitted that  their advice was a mistake.  Worldly standards and guidelines on this matter sway to and fro as though buffeted by winds.  However, Jehovah's Word is unwavering.  For centuries the Bible has provided counsel on how to rear children with love.  The apostle Paul wrote:  'Fathers, do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing  them up on the discipline  and mental-regulating of Jehovah."  (Ephesians 6:4)  How reassuring it is to know that we can rely on Jehovah's standards; they will not change!  (Amen to that!)

Next time: DIVINE LAWS ARE FOR OUR BENEFIT - Blessing for Those Obeying God's Laws

The Watchtower, 2002