Exodus 20:1-17

1. Vs. 3 - We are commanded to keep our God in first place.
   
2. Vs. 4 - We are commanded not to give created things importance.
   We allow many things to become gods to us, to become idols. Money, power, work, pleasure, appearance, another person moves into the place only God can occupy. No one sets out with the intention of worshipping these things but the amount of time we spend on the, or caring for them, shows the value we give. What "things" or "people" am I depending on to make me happy or secure.
   
3. Vs. 7 - We must not misuse the Lord's name.
   How much do you revere the Lord? He is the Creator. He is holy. Would I use my mother's name as a curse word? Or my friend's name? Using the Lord's name frivolously is common today, and reveals lack of understanding of who He is. The way we use God's name shows respect or lack of it.
   
4. Vs. 8 - Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
   God commanded a Sabbath because we need to spend unhurried time in worship and rest each week. Observing a day of rest and worship in this fast-paced world demonstrates how important God is to us as well as refreshing our spirits.
   
5. Vs.12 - Honor your father and mother that you may live long in the land your God is giving you.
   Parents have a special place in God's sight. Even those who don't get along with their parents are commanded to be courteous and respectful.
   
6. Vs. 13 - You shall not murder.
   Let's respect life and hold it sacred. Matthew 5:22 says that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.
   
7. Vs. 14 - You shall not commit adultery.
   In Matthew 5:28 Jesus says anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
   
8. Vs. 15 - You shall not steal.
   Let's respect others and the belongings of others.
   
9. Vs. 16 - You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
   Let's respect who we are. Tell the truth. We give false testimony by leaving something out of a story, telling a half-truth, twisting the facts or inventing a falsehood.
   Matthew 12:36 says that, on judgment day, everyone will have to give account for every careless word they have spoken.
   
10. Vs. 17 - You shall not covet your neighbor's house, wife, manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
    Covet means yearning to possess something, craving, having your heart set on something.
    To covet is to wish to have the possessions of another. It includes resenting the fact that others have what you don't. It is resentment of their success. This shows lack of gratefulness for what God has supplied for you.

These are God's commandments. Do they seem impossible to keep? God knows they are. They serve to show us we are sinful, unable to meet the holiness of God.

Glory to God, that he sent Jesus Christ to cover our sinfulness and extend his holiness to us.


Casual Reading