“Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” (1 John 2:7-11)
Have you listened to music today? If so, chances are you streamed it through your phone or other electronic device. There was a time, however, when vinyl LP records played at 33 1/3 rpm were by far the most popular mode of listening. But as technology advanced, records faded into obscurity. Yet now audiophiles might tell you or your grandparents to dig out that box of old records in the closet or corner of the basement. Play and appreciate records again, because, experts say, they have a broader frequency range, warmth, and depth than digital recordings. In other words, what’s old is new!
The same could be said about God’s commandments. Unquestionably, they are old, dating back to Mt. Sinai when God wrote them on two tablets of stone. They are summed up with one all-inclusive word: Love. Have you listened to them lately? One by one they command a perfect, holy love for God and one’s neighbor. Do you enjoy hearing them, or would you rather just shove them into a dark corner and try to forget them. After all, they point an accusing finger at each of us. If we loved God perfectly, we wouldn’t let all kinds of earthly concerns take priority over hearing His Word. If we loved others as ourselves, jealousy and hatred wouldn’t ruin relationships.
But the apostle John says, “Look again. What’s old is new!” The commandments don’t change in their divine origin, but what is wonderfully new is their fulfillment in Christ. The One Who is Love shined His light into the darkness of our sinful world. He loved His heavenly Father with a holy love. He loved sinners with a love so perfect that He laid down His life for His enemies. “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” (Romans 10:4)
Mere hours before His crucifixion, Jesus told the disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34-35) Jesus’ light pierces the darkness. The day brightens. The kingdom advances, and the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to a new perspective on the commandments. We don’t have to dread their demands as being hopelessly beyond our grasp. Jesus clothes us with His perfect righteousness. He loved perfectly for us. His death paid our debt. What’s old is new. Living in the light, we show our love for the Savior in loving those around us. In Christ what’s old is new. What before only terrified is now music to our ears!
is a retired pastor and former president of the CLC. He lives in Phoenix, Arizona.