Deut 6, part 2-- 'What is the meaning of these laws?'

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6 (especially verses 20-25)

Having just delivered what would become the most important text in Judeo-Christianity, Moses answers a very interesting hypothetical question starting in verse 20:

In the future your children will ask you, ‘What is the meaning of these laws, decrees, and regulations that the Lord our God has commanded us to obey?’

Then you must tell them...

It's a simple enough question. "Dad, what do God's laws mean?"  "Hey Mom, what's the deal with all those commandments?" And if you've experienced the rampant curiosity of kids, you know Moses' prediction is true-- Israelite sons and daughters would no doubt be asking this question. How were the parents to respond?

In previous chapters, we already saw some good material for an answer. God, in His infinite wisdom, knows what's best for us better than we do. God, unlike false gods and idols, is the living Creator who deserves our worship. But here in chapter 6, Moses gives them an interesting blueprint for answering this question:

• Remember that the Lord rescued you from slavery (6:21)
• The Lord has performed signs and wonders (6:22)
• God keeps His promises, e.g. His promise to Abraham (6:23)
• Obedience leads to prosperity (6:24)
• Obedience leads to righteousness (6:25)

I find it fascinating that in response to "What do the Laws mean?", the answer is largely a history lesson. The first three verses focus on what God has done in the past. That says, to me, that you can't make sense of God's moral commands without knowing something about who He is and what He is doing in history. Context is crucial.

Maybe the most practical idea to distill from this is that when it is difficult to obey God, we should turn our eyes to God Himself. 

I can just picture an ancient family discussion...

"Mom, Dad, can you explain to me God's Law?"

"Of course! But first we'll have to teach you quite a bit about the God who gave it to us."