“Then he said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.'” (Mark 2:27, NIV)
We need to challenge the thought that God’s laws and commandments are designed to spoil the joy of living, in the same manner that Jesus challenged the thought that God created humanity to obey a predetermined set of rules that are independent of our benefit.
All of God’s laws and commandments have two distinct purposes: To provide for us; and to protect us.
From the day that Adam and Eve were in the garden, humanity has resented limits or boundaries without seeking to appreciate the benefits. It is akin to resenting traffic laws without considering the benefit to order and safety that such laws provide to both motorists and pedestrians.
As our heavenly Father, God wants only protect us from unnecessary trouble and grief so that we might have life, and have it in all of its abundance.
We were not created to keep “the rules.” The “rules” were created to keep us. Therefore, obey the Lord with faithfulness, joy, and thanksgiving! – Luther
Daily Encouragement 