Greg Laurie Harvest Daily Devotional

Act now to share the love of Christ in the Middle East
<< Greg Laurie Daily Devotions

Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - Aug. 10, 2010

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Without Excuse

Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. 
—Romans 3:19

The Bible tells the story of a man who came to Jesus and said, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Mark 10:17). Jesus said, "You know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother' " (verse 19).

"I've obeyed all these commandments since I was young," the man replied. The Bible tells us that Jesus looked at this man and "felt genuine love for him" (verse 21). I wonder if Jesus laughed a little to himself. This man was arrogant. Identified as the rich young ruler, he was in a position of authority, but he was young. He had climbed the ladder quickly and was probably feeling very good about himself.

Jesus quoted the law not to justify this man, but to show him the truth. If he had been honest with Jesus, he would have said, "Oh, Lord, I have tried to keep these commandments, but I fall short, and that is why I am talking to You." But he didn't.

He failed to recognize that the commandments were not given to make us righteous; they were given to show us that we are not righteous. Romans 3:19 says, "Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God."

The law is like a moral mirror. It shuts our mouths and opens our eyes. It condemns but does not convert. It challenges but does not change. It points the finger but can't give mercy. And it drives us to Jesus, who has the answer we are looking for.

Copyright © 2010 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved. 
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. 

For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.

Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.

SPECIAL OFFER

The new Start! Bible . . . like having Greg studying with you.

  • In this new study Bible, I sought to have the reader feel as though I am right here with them as they work their way through the New Testament …and together we are going through the basics of the Christian life.  I wanted to give them a sense that I am alongside them trying to anticipate their questions and providing clear answers. That is what the Start! Bible is all about.  --Greg Laurie

  • The Start! Bible has been created to help you to understand what it means to be a Christian and to apply the Word of God to your life in an effective manner. 

You can have your own copy of Greg Laurie's Start! Bible in appreciation for your gift to Harvest Ministries this month. 

 



More Greg Laurie Daily Devotions Articles