Exodus 20:1-17 holds some of the most well-known verses in the Bible (even to unbelievers). The Ten Commandments are foundational to a general moral code that most people live by. I’m currently teaching a study by Courtney Reissig titled Promises Kept. In a nutshell, we’re looking at how Jesus ultimately fulfills all of God’s promises. This week we’re looking at the covenant with Moses (he’s the guy God gave the Ten Commandments to). But before the list ensues in verses 3-17, God says something that I never really noticed before. He says, “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery”. I decided I should spend a little time sitting with this one.I’m generally a rule follower. I want to know the rules and I try to follow the rules. Until I don’t. Anybody else with me? I mean, I don’t like getting in trouble or being disciplined. That sucks. But in my humble opinion, there are often rules that seem ridiculous. So I’ll just ask for forgiveness later. Sound familiar?Growing up I remember very clear rules: no cartoons until the house was clean on Saturday morning, eat everything on your plate (even the cold creamed peas), don’t say “fart”, and never claw your sister with your fingernails. There were numerous others, but those stand
pretty firm in my memory bank. There were others that were (or seemed to be) less “black and white”: only ride your bike “around the block” (if you grew up in the country you undoubtedly understand how vague that statement is), don’t get in the creek (just taking off sneakers was NOT the same), etc. You see where I’m going with this, right? Ridiculous!
But then I got older; not necessarily wiser. The same seemingly small compromises had huge consequences. And those consequences often impacted those around me. This is the part of writing and speaking that isn’t always easy. In order to be relatable and relevant, I’m called to be authentic. To bring things out of darkness where they become smelly and moldy and where Satan uses them to hold me captive. To bring them into the light that Jesus offers where there’s no condemnation.
The commandments were given to show us the holiness of God. To emphasize our need for a Savior. God said it Himself, “I…….brought you……..out of the house of slavery”.
One of the most challenging times that I recall came when I was attempting to reconcile with Grant’s dad. We had been divorced a few years and both agreed it was worth another try to restore us and our family. On the surface that sounds amazing. But under the surface, was a mess. Not immediately. It was quite gradual. Yet even the tiniest decision to chose my way/his way instead of God’s way was blazing the ultimate path to utter destruction. The hurt that I brought on. The hurt that he was responsible for. And at the time I honestly believed I was doing the best thing for the boys. But the tremendous pain they endured brings tears to my eyes still today. All because I didn’t follow the rules.
God knows we aren’t capable of living perfectly (according to the law). Even if I’ve never murdered, I’ve definitely killed a few people in my mind and with my thoughts. (I’m not sure if that will ever be appropriate blog material. LOL!) Even though I’ve never worshiped another god, I’ve certainly had other things take priority over God. On and on and on. We’re miserable, wretched people. But that’s why Jesus came.
I’m free to make choices. Good or bad. But Jesus came so I could live in complete freedom under His fulfillment of God’s promise. He took me out of Egypt and showed me the Promised Land. And it makes me WANT to be better, do better, love better; all the things.
This girl right here ~ far, far, far from perfect. Not just a different chapter. A completely different book on the very bottom shelf. But I want to live daily (actually minute-by-minute) in the life-giving promises and joy of Jesus. That’s where you can find me.