Devotion:
Read Exodus 20:1-17.
Today’s scripture is the listing of the Ten Commandments. The name “Exodus” means departure, and the book of Exodus describes the departure of the Israelites from Egypt where they had been slaves. The commandments were God’s covenant with the people when they were camped at Mount Sinai. Moses tells them what he had been told by God, the father—laws known as the “Decalogue,” from the Latin for “ten words”. These commandments provided the people with moral, civil, and religious laws by which they were to live. The Ten Commandments are based on an ancient form of a treaty between a ruler and his people. In such a treaty, the ruler identifies himself and refers to acts done on behalf of the people. Then the ruler gives laws that the people are to live by in order to keep their part of the treaty. I like the way God laid out the Ten Commandments in a cultural way that they were familiar with.
In thinking this week as God being the Father, I think of the rules that my Dad laid out to my siblings and me. They were rules for safety, doing the right things for people, achieving our best, and using appropriate language. Those rules were for our own good, but of course we did not always adhere to them. My older sister was always pushing and breaking the rules which made it easier for the rest of us! Our Dad’s love never wavered. This is the same with our Godly Father. Even when we fall short, He forgives and loves us as His children.
Personal Worship Option:
God, you have rescued us from bondage to sin. Teach us to obey your commandments and to live each day in a way that honors you. You are my God and I worship you alone. Amen.
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