Images of God: Lawgiver
Today’s scripture: Exodus 20:1-21 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two before reading on.
My thoughts (David Zier):
When I learned about the Ten Commandments as a teenager, they did not stand out as anything special to me. I heard lots of things I wasn’t supposed to do from my parents, and the word “no” or “don’t do such and such” was a regular phrase in my household. I was a pretty good kid most of the time, and I was so used to having rules that the Ten Commandments did not seem extraordinary to me. They were things that we were supposed to follow to stay in God’s good graces and to avoid God’s judgment.
As an adult, I view the Ten Commandments very differently. I see them more than just black-and-white rules. I think one of the reasons God gave us the Ten Commandments is to help us achieve spiritual maturity.
If we put God first, and put nothing else before God, God is calling us to be in relationship. In keeping a Sabbath, God is telling us that we need to routinely spend time with God, focusing on God alone and move beyond the distractions that keep us from God. When we treat others well, honor our families, and do not do the things that separate us from God, our relationship with God and others grow stronger.
Instead of viewing the Ten Commandments as just a bunch of rules from God, perhaps we should re-examine our view or feelings and replace them with the view that the Ten Commandments are calling us into a more intimate relationship with God. God is giving me rules that will allow me to grow spiritually. We are to spend time with God, develop a passionate relationship with God, and we are to live in and show God’s love and grace.
Thought for the day: Am I allowing God’s commandments to grow me spiritually, and grow in deeper relationship with God?
Today, let’s join together in prayer for: All who are involved in military actions around the world that may put them in harm’s way, including two members of Jesus MCC.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. Use the item above as a starting point, or consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.