From the desk of Pastor Ben
Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.
                    (Matthew 5:17-18) NKJV

I have some acquaintances who do transcription work from home. Their job is to transcribe notes from doctors or executives and put the down on paper. The work is very challenging because sometimes the audio they are transcribing is faint and crackly. Sometimes the various people speaking would be difficult to understand. Often the discussion would be packed with technical terminology that would have to be researched to be sure to get everything correct. Even though their efforts would be painstaking, every once in a while, they would be docked or reprimanded for making even simple mistakes.
The experiences of these transcriptionists remind me of Jesus’ words in today’s passage about the tiniest dot above a letter, or the smallest symbol. When it comes to God’s law, it’s easy to look at broad strokes and decide we’re not doing too badly. But the truth is, my smallest sinful attitude or weak moment shows that I can’t fulfill the law. Instead of frustration and despair, that realization floods me with new gratitude for Jesus’ grace and what He has done. Because He fulfilled every requirement, I am forgiven and free, no longer under the weight of chasing each jot and tittle. Instead, His love can grow in me, so that my actions align more and more with Jesus’ ways, and I can respond joyfully to His grace rather than trying to earn it.

Faith Step:     Notice all the dots, commas, and other tiny markings in this devotional. Thank Jesus for fulfilling each detail of the law for our sakes.