by Victoria Heinecke

Delighting in the law of the Lord.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
Romans 13:10 English Standard Version (ESV)

There are few families with children out and about. Neighborhoods are generally quiet as people are staying home. While Coloradans are, for the most part, complying with laws decreed to protect us from an unseen disease, not many are obeying with a sense of joy in their hearts.

The laws are creating separation from family and friends. Recreational activities such as music concerts, sports events and picnics are now prohibited. Sometimes, the desire to be with loved ones overrides the risk of transmitting a virus, which only accentuates the pain that comes with compliance.

This playground was once visited by children. In my mind, I can hear the chatter and the laughter. I see their mothers, sitting on the benches, enjoying the view of Pikes Peak and the memories being made at play. Today there are signs around this park: PLAYGROUND CLOSED. These words are even painted on the concrete walk, and the equipment has yellow tape wrapped around it.

Sometimes it feels more like a punishment than a decree for our benefit. As a community, we obey these decrees because we care about our neighbors, and we don’t want to infect them.

“For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Romans 13:9 ESV

God has laid out the perfect way of living through his law. These laws, while they may appear restrictive, liberate us to live in love and peace with those around us.

We are, however, not perfect. Like sheep, we turn from his law and go our own way (Isaiah 53:6), thinking about what we want for ourselves first. It was for all of our disobedience – past, present and future – that Christ Jesus died, defeated sin, and rose victorious.

He is the perfect model of love for us.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado