Straight-Edge
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. Psalm 19:8 (Hebrew World translation)
Right – Take a piece of paper at least 10 inches wide. Now cut a perfectly straight line across that paper. I’ll bet you can’t do it without a straight-edge of some kind. Carpenters know all about this tool. So do seamstresses and engineers. Without a hard edge guide, our attempts to make straight cuts waver. The same principle applies to living. Without a hard edge alongside, the path wavers.
The Hebrew adjective yashar means straight, just or right. It can refer to both physical and ethical applications. Its root means “to go straight, to make right, to lead, to be made level, to be upright.” Here we see the tangible grounding of Hebraic thought. What do the statutes of the Lord provide? A straight edge for life, a level that determines our alignment, a way of leadership, the standard of uprightness. What are these statutes? The word is mitzvah. It can mean human commands like those of a king, but in the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) it is always applied to the commands of God.
Let’s apply the psalmist’s insight. In a world where men make their own standard, we find nothing but crooked paths. God’s way is a hard, straight edge. If we want true leaders, we must look for those who adhere to His commands. Leadership is not about “vision casting.” It is about strict obedience. Following a man who does not level his life according to God’s commands is utter foolishness. When it comes to personal decisions, God’s mitzvah set the standard. They provide us with the guide we need to stay on the path. They do not change. Whenever we find men and women who waver from His hard edge, we find ethical and moral chaos.
Notice that the result of a strict standard of straight action is rejoicing. Most people in the modern world would be surprised by the psalmist’s choice here. They think of standards for moral actions as limitations or impediments. They don’t rejoice over commands. They resist. They view God’s straight edge as imposed obligation, not the way to freedom. Instead of rejoicing that God cares enough to offer a holy guide to living, they express bitterness or rebellion. They want the world to be shaped according to their idea of a straight line.
If you want to know who really loves the Lord, look for those who rejoice over His commands. Those who are gladdened by His instructions, those who love to follow His directions are the ones who truly love Him. They know that the straight edge keeps them on the right path. They look forward to correction. They want to cut the perfect line.
Examine yourself. Are you rejoicing over God’s commands? Are you glad for His chastisement? Or is there a flaw in your ruler that you’re not willing to smooth away?
Topical Index: right, yashar, statutes, mitzvah, straight edge, Psalm 19:8
Rejoicing in the Truth! “Sanctify them in thy truth, thy word is truth.” “Straight is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads unto life.”- The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. The 40 year Exodus from Egypt to Canaan was an 11 day journey would they have traveled a straight path.. The word “iniquity” means “twisted.” If we are to “get there”- should we not also seek a straight path to walk? Who will show us the way? Who is the Way? Who will lead the wandering sheep? Do we need a Shepherd? a Savior?
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30.21) “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” (Psalm 25:9) -“in all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6) His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” (John 2.5) “Shema”, O Israel.. “listen and obey”- for in the end, -the way of holiness and the way of happiness are the same path.
Almost everything in our daily lives is ‘pre-measured’ now. Our children do not have to be taught how to determine measurements in order to live in this culture. The ‘survival skills’ that were taught 50 years ago, are considered unnecessary now. One more reason why anyone who adheres (as closely as they can) to an ABSOLUTE STANDARD would be an open invitation for others to inquire as to the instructions of the Creator. I am so encouraged any time I can find a way to implement the Torah in my life today.
My dad taught my siblings and me how to read a map. I did not realize until I was an adult, how valuable and useful is this skill!
Blessed is the man who shall not walkin the counsel of the wrong, And shall not stand in the path of sinners, And shall not sit in the seat of scoffers, 2But his delight is in the Torah of YHWH, And he meditates in His Torah day andnight. 3For he shall be as a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That yields its fruit in its season, And whose leaf does not wither, And whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 (The Scriptures)
The relationship between His Word and our rejoicing cannot be denied! (Unless we are NOT honoring it) Help us Father, as your children to follow our elder Brother Yeshua and walk in His Way.