They are the Big Ten, and we're not talking about college basketball or football. The Ten Commandments aren't so much God's "do" and "don't" list but His prescribed pathway to blessings. They are for the ultimate good of those who heed them.
"You shall have no other gods before Me ... You shall not make for yourself an idol ... You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain ... Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy ... Honor your father and your mother ... You shall not murder ... You shall not commit adultery ... You shall not steal ... You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor ... You shall not covet ..." (Exodus 20:3-17)
We can easily see that these Ten Commandments can be divided into two basic categories: (1) things pertaining to God, and; (2) things pertaining to people. Jesus would clarify, many years later,
" 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40)
God's requirements are not ultimately about doing, but loving. When we are passionate about our relationship with our Creator, and when we purely and sacrificially love others, we "are not far from the kingdom of God." (Mark 12:34)
The purpose of God's commandments are clearly stated in Exodus 20:20 - "that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin."
A deep awe, love and respect for the Lord God is the best safeguard against sin which He abhors.
The spirit of God's law is love for Him and love for others. This is the true pathway of blessing and long life. This is also the pathway to the kingdom of God, because the coming kingdom will ultimately be characterized by these qualities.
We are called to live as compassionate and loving people. May those qualities be ours in abundance today as we reflect the character of our Creator and the reality of His kingdom.
Steve
"You shall have no other gods before Me ... You shall not make for yourself an idol ... You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain ... Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy ... Honor your father and your mother ... You shall not murder ... You shall not commit adultery ... You shall not steal ... You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor ... You shall not covet ..." (Exodus 20:3-17)
We can easily see that these Ten Commandments can be divided into two basic categories: (1) things pertaining to God, and; (2) things pertaining to people. Jesus would clarify, many years later,
" 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40)
God's requirements are not ultimately about doing, but loving. When we are passionate about our relationship with our Creator, and when we purely and sacrificially love others, we "are not far from the kingdom of God." (Mark 12:34)
The purpose of God's commandments are clearly stated in Exodus 20:20 - "that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin."
A deep awe, love and respect for the Lord God is the best safeguard against sin which He abhors.
The spirit of God's law is love for Him and love for others. This is the true pathway of blessing and long life. This is also the pathway to the kingdom of God, because the coming kingdom will ultimately be characterized by these qualities.
We are called to live as compassionate and loving people. May those qualities be ours in abundance today as we reflect the character of our Creator and the reality of His kingdom.
Steve
posted by steve @ 11:25 AM
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