Establishing Boundaries
Opening Prayer
The psalmist says, “Teach me Your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path” (Psa. 27:11). Lord, that is my prayer today.
Read Exodus 20:1-17
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Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
“When the law of God is written in our hearts, our duty will be our delight” (Matthew Henry, 1662-1714). Joyful obedience is the mark of a true disciple; such obedience leads to true freedom (John 8:32).
The introduction to the Ten Commandments is often overlooked, but it is crucial in setting the tone. The God who commands is first of all the one who delivers. The experience of God’s salvation gives enough evidence that he can be trusted. The commands that follow come from the God who has conclusively shown that he is on their side. Therefore these laws are both good in themselves (for God is good), and for their good because he has their welfare at heart. That makes all the difference in the world as to how they should be read.
Moreover they were given not as conditions of salvation but as signposts for the saved. Having escaped the slavery of Egypt the people need to be protected from new and worse slaveries from both outside and inside. Slavery happens when we lose sight of God and are tempted to accept inferior substitutes. These can never satisfy, but rather will lead us further away. Only as the Lord is held in clear focus will a correct perspective be maintained. That requires care over whom and how you worship, and the importance of making time to do so. We need, on at least one day a week, to remember that God is God and we are not–and we are not indispensable, but only recipients of grace.
Paradoxically, when God is given his place, other people matter more, not less. Reverence for God leads naturally to respect for others, made in the image of God. That will spill over to our relationships with them, respecting the sanctity of marriage, life, property and truthfulness. More significantly still, it will also color our attitudes and our inner life, not just our actions and speech. Lose control there, and it is not long before our lack of control spills out in speech and deeds we later regret.
Apply
Of all the Ten Commandments (3-17), which does our society need most to hear? Which one do you most need to hear?
Closing prayer
All-Powerful One, press in on me with what I need to hear from this well-traveled passage. I need more than hearing, I need faithful obedience to Your voice. I ask for Your help.
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