Don’t worry, having faith in Jesus is not all about the rules. But it’s important to know the 10 Commandments because this decree from God was given just weeks after his people had been rescued from slavery in Egypt. They had already seen some unbelievable things in those fourteen days, but now God was giving them rules to guide their lives so they could live a God-honoring life.
How fitting our new theme of Bible readings focuses on “Living as God Desires” and kicks off with the dramatic story of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments from God. We can really sum all of these up into two: Love God and Love Each Other. But there is so much richness and history in this passage, I hope we don’t miss.
Moses was their leader, and he had an audience with God. Can you imagine meeting face-to-face with God? Sure, we can talk to Him in prayer, but that’s usually a one-way conversation (at least at first). What do you think went through Moses’ mind when he heard God’s message to the people of Israel, “Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me.” The expectation was that people would obey God, but first, they needed to know what to obey.
In those early days, the Israelites were eager to please God, and that’s the message Moses relayed back to God. Since that day on the mountain, we’ve seen many people stumble and fall away, not obeying or even knowing what to obey. The Israelites were guilty even though they were the first to hear God’s commands.
If you wonder about all the preparations that went on, just imagine getting ready for company in your house. Don’t we always want to make a good impression? Now, if it’s God as our guest, how much more respect and honor do we want to muster up? It makes sense to me that the level of respect was so great for the people. I wish people today still honored God so completely.
I’ve been teaching children for years about the 10 Commandments. Some of them are easier to remember than others. I have to laugh at the orphanage where I serve; the little girls often think one of the commandments is “Do No Smoke.” Apparently, that behavior must be frowned upon in their little world to a degree they feel God must have said it!
If this is the first time you’ve ever read about these rules, don’t rush past them. Take a step back and marvel at how each of them speaks against the evil that can permeate our lives when we let the temptations of life distort our thinking. Without Jesus in our lives to save us, we can fall prey to so much that is popular and enticing.
Of all the commandments, loving God comes first. Jesus taught us that, too. In Matthew 22:37-39, “Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Are there any commandments that surprise you? Can you see God’s reasoning in wanting to protect his people in the ways these commands dictate?
What about you? What is your response to God’s Ten Commandments? How are you convicted to do better at loving God and others? Maybe coveting is more your struggle. Remember, God’s commands are meant to help us succeed and live as He desires.
Let’s pray. Father God, thank you for setting boundaries and making it clear how you desire for me to behave. You clearly want what’s best for me. Help me do a better job of obeying you and living my life as you desire. Help me sense your corrections and not ignore them but move in the right direction each day. I long for your guidance and approval. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
