For ancient Israel, the reception of the Law at Mount Sinai was a foundational event, marking their unique covenant relationship with God. Far from being a burden, the Torah (Law) was presented as a gift, a manifestation of God’s special favor and guidance for His chosen people The Deuteronomic tradition, in particular, emphasizes this privilege. Deuteronomy 4:5-8 states, “See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to possess. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we call to him? And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as all this body of laws I am setting before you today?” This passage clearly articulates the idea that the Law was a source of national identity, wisdom, and a testament to God’s unique presence among them.

The Law provided a comprehensive framework for life, encompassing moral, civil, and ceremonial aspects. It distinguished Israel from surrounding nations, whose legal systems often reflected polytheistic beliefs and social injustices. The Mosaic Law, with its emphasis on justice, care for the vulnerable (widows, orphans, foreigners), and the sanctity of life, stood in stark contrast to the often brutal and arbitrary laws of other ancient Near Eastern societies. For instance, the Code of Hammurabi, while advanced for its time, often prescribed different penalties based on social status, whereas the Mosaic Law generally applied equally to all Israelites, reflecting a more egalitarian ideal.

Furthermore, the Law was not merely a set of rules but a means of maintaining a holy relationship with God. Obedience to the Law was directly linked to blessings and prosperity in the land God had promised them. Disobedience, conversely, led to curses and exile, as detailed in Deuteronomy 28. This direct correlation between adherence to the Law and divine favor underscored its privileged status. The Psalms frequently express joy and delight in the Law, viewing it as a source of life, wisdom, and guidance, rather than an oppressive weight. Psalm 119, for example, is an extended meditation on the beauty and benefit of God’s statutes, precepts, and decrees. The prophets, while often chastising Israel for their failure to uphold the Law, never questioned its inherent goodness or its status as a divine gift. They called for a return to the covenant, emphasizing that the problem lay not with the Law itself, but with the people’s hardened hearts.

The concept of law as a privilege, rather than a burden, holds profound implications for my own life and ministry, particularly in the context of serving and obeying God.

Firstly, it transforms the perception of God’s commands from restrictive obligations into opportunities for flourishing and deeper relationship. When I view God’s moral and ethical guidelines, as revealed in scripture, not as arbitrary rules but as expressions of His perfect wisdom and love, they become a pathway to a more meaningful and purposeful existence. For example, the command to love my neighbor as myself is not a burden, but a privilege that fosters healthy communities and reflects God’s character. Similarly, the call to honesty and integrity in all dealings is not a limitation, but a foundation for trust and respect, both personally and professionally.

Secondly, this perspective fosters a spirit of gratitude and joy in obedience. Instead of grudgingly following rules, I can embrace obedience as a response to God’s grace and a demonstration of my love for Him. This aligns with Jesus’ teaching: “If you love me, keep my commands.” The privilege of serving God, whether through direct ministry or in my daily vocation, becomes a source of immense satisfaction. It means that my work, whatever it may be, can be consecrated to a higher purpose, contributing to God’s kingdom and reflecting His values in the world. This transforms mundane tasks into acts of worship and service.

Thirdly, it highlights the distinctiveness and transformative power of a life lived in accordance with God’s will. Just as ancient Israel’s laws set them apart, living by God’s principles in a world often driven by self-interest and fleeting desires can make a profound impact. This is particularly relevant in ministry, where demonstrating Christ-like character and adhering to biblical ethics can be a powerful witness to others. The privilege of serving God means being entrusted with the message of hope and reconciliation, and living a life that authenticates that message. This includes upholding ethical standards in leadership, demonstrating compassion to those in need, and speaking truth with love, all of which are expressions of God’s “law” for His people today.

Finally, understanding God’s “law” as a privilege encourages a continual pursuit of His wisdom and guidance. It moves beyond a minimalist approach to obedience (“what’s the least I can do?”) to a desire to fully understand and embody His will. This involves diligent study of scripture, prayer, and seeking the counsel of wise mentors. The privilege of serving God is not just about doing tasks, but about becoming more like Him, allowing His character to be formed within me through the ongoing process of

I found the Issues in Apologetics 2 course to be extremely interesting, relevant, and thought-provoking. The lectures were well-structured and covered a broad range of topics, from foundational questions about free will and miracles to more complex debates like evolution, the reliability of the Bible, and the uniqueness of Christ. I appreciated the balanced approach in evaluating both arguments for and against the Christian faith.

The course also offered very practical strategies and tactics for engaging in apologetics in real-life scenarios. The content was not only intellectually rich but also deeply pastoral, equipping me for ministry and public engagement.

Overall, I learnt a lot and now feel more confident in explaining the credibility of the Christian faith in today’s world. I highly recommend this course to anyone involved in ministry or interested in defending and sharing their faith effectively.

Issues in Old Testament Theology part 2 have been so enriching in knowledge not just just for personal endowment but most importantly I have been equip with the necessary skills and techniques to apologize Scripture. Today, I can confident speak with facts and knowledge as far as standing for the Christian faith is concern.