Then God spoke all these words, saying, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
A common response when two kids are arguing is “You’re not the boss of me!” This is a rejection of the other child’s supposed authority in a situation. Even though we may not use this phrase as adults, we often think along these lines when someone tells us what to do. We question, “Who are you to say that?” or “Why should I listen to you?” When we are given instruction, we want to know it’s coming from a place of trusted authority. We want to know the things we listen to are true and the instructions we follow are right.
Before God gave the Ten Commandments, He reminded Moses of His authority to do so. God is the only One who has legitimate authority over all of creation. But God exercises this authority in love. Even in giving laws, He did not leave His people to figure it out on their own. He walked them to deliverance from slavery in Egypt and He would lead them toward obedience to Him. The commandments are not meant to keep us far from God but to draw us further into relationship with Him. In His commands, as in all things, God is working to bring about the redemption of His people.
- What comes to mind when you think about the Ten Commandments?
- Why is it important to remember that even the commandments of God are given in love?
- Pray and thank God for showing us clearly what it looks like to be His people and for making redemption possible through Christ.
