What are the blue laws? I can't buy alcohol on Sundays where I live. Why does God always mess these things up?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, the word "blue" was used in the 17th century as a disparaging reference to rigid moral codes and those who observed them.[1] Though upheld by many courts in the land for decades, the U.S. has now relaxed most of its blue laws, but a few states still restrict the sale of alcohol and even automobiles on Sunday.
This said, the blue laws are/were an unbiblical attempt to honor the fourth commandment (Exod. 20:8). God's law included rest on the Sabbath as part of his covenant with his people (Exod. 31:13). They were unbiblical as their origin was not with God. They were an addition to his law. (See, "What is meaning of Mark 2:27-28?" below.) Moreover, though some blue laws prohibit the purchase of alcohol on Sundays, the Lord's Supper was celebrated with real wine (cf. 1 Cor. 11:20-21). In the Old Testament wine was considered a covenant blessing (Gen. 27:28; Deut. 7:13; 11:14; 33:28). It was even an acceptable offering to God (Num. 15:5, 7, 10).
So, God didn't mess things up. It was misinterpretation and misapplication of Scripture by some well-meaning people that originated the blue laws, and elected officials kept them in effect for a long time, even in some places today.
[1] Blue Law and Legal Definition. (https://definitions.uslegal.com/b/blue/). Last Accessed 4 August 2018.
Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr., D.D., M.Div. is the Theological Editor at Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill).