Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.” But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

Head knowledge is important in our world. It is a starting point to becoming an expert in a field. Take auto repair, for example. The vehicles we drive these days have computer chips in them. So mechanics need to have knowledge in how to program software in the vehicles, as well as perform the manual repairs necessary. If a mechanic goes to school, they can learn the book methods regarding these vehicles. But to really understand how to apply those methods most effectively, they need experience, or a type of relationship with the vehicles. I have received excellent advice from mechanics who not only understood what the repair books told them, but also factored in my budget and the age of the vehicle to determine the best solutions to fixing my vehicle. They combined head knowledge with a heart understanding of who I was and my needs.

This passage is really talking about a similar type of understanding. Some study God and the Bible to gain factual knowledge, but it never translates into a heart passion to get to know the person of God in Jesus Christ. It’s like they have a sterile relationship with him, they know about him from a far, but have never been “in the trenches” with him. Some friends and I were talking about this difference the other day. Most missionaries see first hand in third-world countries oppression through the evil forces of this world. And if they are close to God’s heart, they also see him provide in incredible ways. Pastors can have a similar experience. The reality is, we all can. We just have to believe this is God’s design for our lives and fully commit to him. “The law” is important, it is a good first step in this relationship with God. But we must not stop there. Because the saving grace of life with God is only found in personal relationship to him through Jesus Christ. And when we come to him, we must be willing to risk it all — sacrificing the fame and fortune, the pleasures and selfishness of this life. If we are not “all in”, then why pretend?
Lord, thank you for this passage that challenges us to move past the law into a heart-level relationship with Jesus Christ, that includes the law, but offers so much more. May your Spirit move me to stay close to your heart each day and in the moments!