Gentle and Lowly, Chapter 20 - “Our Law-ish Hearts, His Lavish Heart”

This reflection is by Visio Dei deacon Matt Barraclough.

I think this chapter brings to light a deep-seated insecurity a lot of us share that stems from a culture of “earning it.” I know that, as a young child, I sought the approval of my father by attempting to earn it. I’d pursue things he was interested in, or try to excel at things that I thought would garner his approval. And I think this is such a natural thing for young men especially to seek the approval of their father in this manner.

In this chapter, Dane Ortlund addresses our tendency to lean into the legalistic approach to our faith, seeking to earn God’s approval rather than basking in the lavish heart of Christ.

In Galatians 3:10, Paul says that “all who rely on works of the law are under a curse.” Ortlund clarifies that the reliance on works refers to our spirit of legalism. That spirit reflects not only our resistance of justification by faith, but also our resistance to Christ’s heart. We seek a status of being good enough by our works. There is a certain level of anxiety, dysfunction, and resentment that comes from trying to live up to the law. Orland contrasts that spirit with the truth of the love of Christ, stating, “The felt love of Christ is really what brings rest, wholeness flourishing shalom…” He reminds us of the truth that, in Christ, we are truly invincible. The verdict really is in. He has made us His own, and He will never cast us out.

The gosspel truth of Christ’s love for us is summed up in this quote “ the son of God… loved me and gave his life of me.” Christ’s love for us would not allow him to sit still in heaven. And our sinfulness can’t and won’t diminish his graceful heart toward us.

We do not have the burden of earning our place in God’s heart by living up to the law. Instead, we can find rest in a Savior whose love earned our place for us.