Sunday, March 3
Exodus 20:1-17
Read Exodus 20:1-17. [For fun, stand and read with a booming voice.]
One of my children is very very serious about rules. When she was young she would be careful to read the rules at the pool and even refused to do something that I suggested because I was suggesting something “against the rules.” It turns out that the pool rules were there not to keep us from having fun, but to keep us safe so we could keep having fun.
Just like the pool rules, the 10 commandments were given for our spiritual, emotional and relational safety so we can enjoy and share the life that God has given. Exodus 20:20 actually says that the commands were given to the people of Israel “to keep you from sinning.” One of the explanations of sin is to violate a relationship. And the first four commands are violations of relationship with God, while the last six commands are violations of relationship with others. While breaking any of the commands might make life more enjoyable for the moment, disobedience disrupts our relationship with God and makes life less enjoyable for the long-term.
Ultimately the commands are invitations to trust God and rely on Him. As we do that we realize that nothing compares to Him and He is all we need. When Jesus said the greatest commands are “Love God” and “love others” (Matthew 22:36-40), He summarized the 10 commands and all the commands of the Old Testament. And when he died on the cross, he showed love for God and others in such a perfect way to cover all the times we have sinned and failed to love. So now, by putting our faith in Him, we can live out the commands with His love.
Household Challenge:
Write out the 10 Commandments and put them somewhere visible in your house to memorize them together.
Why are the first four commands violations of relationship with God? How are the last six commands violations of relationships with others?
Pastor Josh Kleinfeld