February 7 - Exodus 20:1-22:15

Good morning everyone,

So as we continue in Scripture today, the Lord, in the form of fire, has called Moses to meet him up on the top of Mount Sinai, which at this point is totally engulfed with smoke. God told Moses to help the Israelites ready themselves, both physically and spiritually to meet with God. They were to set themselves apart from not only sin but also everyday routine, to get ready. All the distractions, preoccupations, which in today’s world would include cell phones, toys, TV, internet, anything that the enemy would use to distract you or take your focus off God, are to be put aside. It was when God felt they were ready that He spoke to them from this cloud the Ten Commandments. The commands were so the people could see the nature of God and also were used as guidelines to meet the needs of each individual in a loving and responsible manner. They were designed to lead Israel to a life of practical holiness.

Some would argue that these commandments are Old Testament, and we live in a New Testament time. And I get that, but allow me to use the Words of Jesus to draw parallels to the Ten Commandments and how they apply to us today.

Commandment:

1. “You must have no other God before me.” ~ Jesus said, Matthew 4:10, “ You must worship the Lord your God and serve Him only”
2. “You must not make for yourself an idol.” ~ Jesus said, Luke 16:13, “No one can serve two masters.”
3. “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God.” ~ Jesus said, Matthew 5:34, “D not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By Heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne.”
4. “ Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” ~ Jesus said, Mark 2:27-28, “ The Sabbath was meant to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath.”
5. “Honor your father and mother.” ~ Jesus said, Matthew 10:37, “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine.”
6. “You must not murder.” ~ Jesus said, Matthew 5:22, “If you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgement!”
7. “You must not commit adultery.” ~ Jesus said, Matthew 5:28, “Anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
8. “You must not steal.” ~ Jesus said, Matthew 5:40, “If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.”
9. “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.” ~ Jesus said, Matthew 12:36 “ You must give an account on judgement day of every idle word you speak.”
10. “You must not covet.” ~ Jesus said, Luke 12:15, “Guard against every kind of greed.”

Many people look at “law” as threatening, often with immediate recoil or the digging in of heals. May I suggest to you that God’s laws are nothing to be feared, rather they bring with them a great deal of relief, because you see they are a means to God’s ultimate law of love and the peace that naturally follows when applied to our lives. Make sense? 

Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” True discipleship is more than intellectual assent, so to speak, those who are “really” followers of Christ will “hold to” His Word which includes the Ten Commandments. And if you do, when you do, then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Amen?

Have a great day and to God be the glory.

God bless you all …..