Why is the regular reading of Moses' law significant for believers today? Anchoring Our Study in Acts 15:21 “For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.” (Acts 15:21) A Timeless Pattern of Hearing God’s Word • From the Exodus onward, God’s people gathered weekly around the Torah. • The Jerusalem elders appeal to this unbroken practice as a given for Jew and Gentile alike. • Regular public reading keeps the whole community aligned with God’s revealed will. Scripture’s Own Testimony About the Law • Deuteronomy 31:11-13 — Moses commands a cyclical, audible reading “so that they may hear and learn to fear the LORD.” • Psalm 1:2 — Blessing rests on the one who “meditates day and night” on the Law. • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 — “All Scripture” (including the Pentateuch) equips the believer “for every good work.” • Romans 15:4 — “Whatever was written in former times was written for our instruction.” The Law still teaches endurance and hope. Moral Compass and Revealer of God’s Character • God’s standards do not shift; the Law shows what He loves and hates. • It exposes sin (Romans 7:7) and drives us to Christ for forgiveness. • By reading regularly, we realign our ethics with the Creator’s design rather than culture’s drift. Foreshadowing Christ in Every Page • Luke 24:27 — Jesus Himself “beginning with Moses…explained” how the Scriptures point to Him. • Ceremonial commands (sacrifices, feasts) showcase His atoning work and coming kingdom. • The more we know the Law, the richer our grasp of the Gospel. Guardrail Against False Teaching • Acts 17:11 — Bereans tested new doctrine by the written word. • Continual exposure to Moses sharpens discernment, preventing error from taking root. Catalyst for Holiness and Community Life • Leviticus 19:2 — “Be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” • Practical commands on justice, sexuality, and stewardship still speak with crystal clarity. • Shared reading creates mutual accountability and unity within the body. Delight, Not Drudgery • Psalm 19:10 — The Law is “sweeter than honey.” • Regular reading cultivates love for God, gratitude for grace, and anticipation of Christ’s return. Living It Out Today • Read a portion of the Pentateuch daily or weekly, aloud when possible. • Trace connections to Christ and the New Testament to see fulfillment, not contradiction. • Memorize key passages (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 6) to keep truth at the forefront of heart and mind. Through the consistent, expectant reading of Moses’ Law, believers today gain a clearer vision of God’s holiness, a firmer grasp of the gospel, and a steady guide for righteous living. |