Feasting on Faith: Embracing God’s Commandments for the Kingdom
In our faith journey, embracing God’s commandments transcends mere observance; it is a pathway to living in the kingdom of God. Yeshua’s teachings on the gospel of the kingdom invite us to see these commandments not as burdens but as keys to a life rich with divine purpose. He encapsulates the essence of this relationship in His call to love:
“If you love me, keep my commandments.” – John 14:15
This directive from Yeshua binds our adherence to God’s laws with our affection for Him, suggesting that true love for the Messiah is manifested through our obedience.
The Eternal Nature of God’s Commandments
Yeshua’s affirmation that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it reinforces the continuity of God’s commandments:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” – Matthew 5:17
This fulfillment implies a deepening of our understanding and commitment to these divine laws, embodying them in a way that reflects kingdom values here on earth.
Beyond Dietary Restrictions: A Holistic Call to Holiness
Yeshua redirects our focus from the external adherence to purity laws to the cultivation of a pure heart, aligning our inner lives with the outward observance of God’s commandments.
Our Bodies, His Temple
The New Testament frames our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that how we treat our bodies, including our dietary choices, reflects our reverence for God:
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19
Observing God’s commandments, including dietary laws, becomes an act of worship, honoring God with our whole being.
The Gravity of Our Choices: A Lesson from Thessalonians
Paul’s stark warning about the delusion that comes with rejecting the truth highlights the critical nature of our choices:
“For this reason, God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
This admonition serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God’s commandments, stressing the importance of fidelity to His Word.
Living the Gospel of the Kingdom
It’s through our obedience that we prepare ourselves for life in the kingdom of God, living out the values that Yeshua taught:
“Therefore whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:19
Conclusion: A Call to Kingdom Living
As we navigate the complexities of modern belief, the call to feast on faith is a call to kingdom living. This preparation is an active, daily commitment to living and teaching the gospel of the kingdom, as Yeshua instructed.
Let us, with hearts full of love for Yeshua, commit anew to keeping His commandments, stepping into the fullness of life that His kingdom promises — a life of purpose, joy, and anticipation for His return.
