We recognize that we are no longer under the Law of Moses today. We do not keep the Sabbath or offer animal sacrifices; rather, we do the things we do because we were commanded by Jesus and the inspired writers of the New Testament, which supplants the requirements of the Old Law.

Have you ever stopped to consider, “What makes the Old Testament old?” The answer is quite plain and simple: “God did!” The Scriptures verify this. In Hebrews 8:13, Paul writes, “In that He says, ‘A new covenant,’ He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” No longer are we subject to “the handwriting of requirements that was against us” (Colossians 2:14).

Although we no longer obey the ordinances of the Old Law, there is great value found in the pages that precede the New Testament of Christ. The examples recorded from us allow us to learn from the mistakes of others, so that we don’t have to suffer the consequences and pain of disobedience (if we are wise). Paul says, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).

The old adage is true: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” A casual glance at the rise and fall of nations throughout secular history offers proof of this statement, but a study of the Old Testament shows it even more clearly. So don’t stop listening when the preacher starts to quote from the books of the Kings and Chronicles, or references the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, or Jonah. We can and we must learn from the inspired Scriptures that have been providentially preserved for us!