Journal Through the Bible: Week 14 Wednesday

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Exodus 20:1-21:11
When we search for any commandments from God today we will find 10 of the most recognized ones among the list!

Does God make any promises?

• God promised that in every place where He recorded His name He would come unto the Hebrews and bless them if they would make sacrifices

Are there any references to Jesus?

• The law is a picture of Jesus. The Apostle Paul told the Christians in the area of Galatia that the law was given to show each of us that we are incapable of keeping it. God knew we would fail. And yet, it is the standard of righteousness. Jesus told His followers that He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. Jesus did not break any of the laws of God, including the Sabbath which was the one area where the Pharisees felt they had Him! (He didn't work: He gave rest to those laboring with suffering! He didn't desecrate it: He hallowed it!)

Are there any references to yet-future events?

• The law will be the standard of conduct in Heaven and on the New Earth. Can you imagine needing to be told not to worship anything besides God, the One Who forgave the law-breaking you and brought you there in the first place?! We won't do anything to harm our fellow-man either!
• One note of my personal belief: I believe the New Earth will operate on the 7-day system, including a day of rest. (Yes, I believe each of us will have work to do.) This world was created to be inhabited by people who work for six days and then take one off for rest. There was nothing sinful in the system. Jesus did not say that we wouldn't labor. He just said that when we take His yoke upon us our burdens will be light. We cannot even begin to imagine how much lighter work would be without the burden and curse of sin to mar everything!

Does God issue any commands?

• The first commands found in this passage are what have come to be known as the Ten Commandments which deal first with a person's relationship to God and then with a person's relationship with other people
• God reaffirmed that there were to be no other gods worshiped along with Him and He then set the standards for worship including how an altar could be made.
• God commanded certain standards for indentured servants including Hebrews indebted to other Hebrews.