Today's Scripture Reading (November 19, 2024): Exodus 19
The Ten Commandments is a code of laws that most of us have heard of, and some of us can even list at least a few. But I think that few of us could get them all. By the way, even the experts disagree on the list of commandments because the Bible doesn't itemize the commandments into a list of ten; we have done that. There are two main reactions to this idea of the Ten Commandments. Right now, some of you are ready to fist-bump somebody because it is time we started discussing the rules. Or maybe your skin begins to crawl just thinking about a list of rules. And you aren't standing at the base of Mount Sinai watching the lightning and listening to the thunder, yet you are feeling very uncomfortable. You are not sure you want to keep reading. I am unsure if I want to let you out of that tension.
However, the Ten Commandments have captured our imaginations. Did you know that our culture was built using the Ten Commandments as a guideline? We live in a culture that has been built around the idea of God and this specific set of rules. I am old enough to remember when it was illegal to go shopping on Sunday. Can you imagine a culture that said that we would celebrate the Sabbath and keep it holy? As a result, it would be illegal for most stores to be open. And the reason why was Commandment number four.
Do not steal or murder are automatic in our thinking, but there was also a time in our culture when you simply did not go against your parents; you gave them honor just as automatically as you didn't kill people, and the reason why was Commandment number five.
There was a time when adultery was not just immoral; it was illegal and could be punished by the law courts. That seems almost unimaginable, but the reason was simple: it goes back to commandment number eight.
When we enter the courtroom and place our hands on the Bible and swear that we will tell the truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God, and that action is based on commandment number nine, which says you will not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Our culture was built around these ten commands, given by God to Moses 3500 years ago on a mountain that flashed with lightning and was covered with a cloud. The mountain was overcome with a power that the people didn't understand. But this moment was essential to all that was to come. The Ten Commandments begin with this thought: I am the one who rescued you. I am the source of everything. The first thing you need to know is that I am God and the source of everything you need. It is enough to make any of us tremble if we really understand everything that this means.
Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Exodus 20
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