Series: The Ten Commandments
Introduction: Pathway to Freedom
Reflections
The truth is that life simply works better when we live in tune with the designs of its Creator. God’s commands are not hammers over our heads to get us to shape up. Rather, they are his loving instructions for how to do what is right and good.
— Marva Dawn
Is It a Lost Cause?
- One of best lessons a child could learn, is that he/she has been so loved
- Torah, the commandments, as loving instructions from God, although few think of them that way
- Laws guide us to freedom
- v3: God has already rescued the Israelites, they were then asked to obey His commandments
- Common misconception is that if we obey the laws, we are blessed
- Commandments is not the way to make right with God; God has made it right already
- Losing Moses on the Freeway: The 10 Commandments in America by Chris Hedges
- Purpose of commandments is to check our impulses, our dark intention that leads to terrible consequences
- The commandments prevent us from being a slave
- Our success in certain area in life might lead us to think we are wise in all things, doing things our way
- We enjoy this city as our playground, we change our lifestyle to fit into the city, to enterain ourselves, with our money, our resources, our body
- Our laws ask us to turn around, so that we wouldn’t be lost, we wouldn’t forget who we are
- This is how we live free, even though misconception is that freedom is without constraints, doing whatever we want
- Constraints that lead to ultimate freedom
- v6: We shall live a Holy nation, within current condition on earth
- An alternate society that would go into the world, being a kingdom of priests, being transformative agents, to bring people into presence of God, convince people God’s love
- Roman’s empire was transformed this way
- Trying to follow the commandments without the Gospel or without Grace, you will be either crushed, or be convinced you are so good at it, you become judgmental and smugged
- Exodus 24: Moses took the blood and dashed it on the people, and said, ‘See the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.’
- Blood covenant that ends up being repaid by Jesus much later
