PM: July 16, 2019

The first set of laws was the Law Code of Hammurabi, who was a ruler in ancient Babylonia, back in the time of the Old Testament. It was a set of laws to say what the penalty for stealing was, and what people should be paid for jobs, things like that. In most cultures, a scale, like the one in the photo, was a symbol of judging people to see if they were worthy–Anubis in Egypt had one in their ancient hieroglyphics (which is a long word for their writing in pictures).

Hierogylphics

God gives us rules and laws in the Bible as well. It’s important to realize that what God tells us to do or not do is not to make being a Christian hard, but his laws are to help make your life have meaning. He tells us not to lie or steal, and honestly, your life is much easier and happier when you don’t do those things, right? He tells us to love others, to be kind and generous–those are good ways to live life, right? His laws are for our good.

“Listen, people of Israel! The Lord is our God. The Lord is the only God. ⁵ You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. ⁶ Always remember these commands that I give you today. ⁷ Be sure to teach them to your children. Talk about these commands when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road. Talk about them when you lie down and when you get up. 

Deuteronomy 6:4-7 (ERV)

Dear Lord, Help me to see your rules and laws as good things in my life, that you gave me as a way to live, not as a punishment. Teach me your ways Lord. Amen.