February 4

Exodus 19:16-21:21; Matthew 23:13-39; Psalm 28:1-9; Proverbs 7:1-5

Servant for Life

What a great Old Testament passage today. You cannot get much better than the Ten Commandments. God’s delivery of His word was filled with thunder, lightning and the trumpet blast from heaven. God descended on the mountain in fire with billows of smoke rising to heaven like a furnace. He wanted to speak with His people but knew they could not all enter into His presence. His holiness was too much for them to bear. God’s love for His people is only hindered by our lack of ability to enter into His presence. The Israelites need a mediator, someone to bridge the gap for them, that man was Moses. We also need one today, (1 Tim. 2:5 - For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,) our Lord has become that bridge.

I’m not sure if you can pick the “Top” commandments out of the laws given in this passage. If you’re like me it changes from time to time. Remembering the Sabbath always touches me when I’m spending too much time away from the Lord. I know the Lord was not tired on the seventh day. Come on! He is the all powerful God, He did not need to sit down for lunch and a nap because He was wore out. It was a principle He wanted to teach us, we all need to stop, slow down, put things back in priority and sit before God’s creation. Don’t get me wrong, I am convicted of all the commandments from time to time. That’s why I need that mediator.

What struck me most of all in this passage today was not one of the “Big Ten” but a law given to the Hebrew servants; Duet. 21:5-6 –“But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,’ then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life.” Servant for life, selah. It made me pause, would we declare this to our master? Even more, do we want a mediator or a master? Have we made a decision for life or a decision until we can be free? Are we willing to become servants and prisoners to the master? This decision cannot be made every day; this decision has to be made once and for all. Have you?

Let’s Pray
Almighty God, you spoke the world into being by the power of your word. Let me hear you speaking to my heart. I decide today once and for all to serve you. Amen

Take time today to focus on the Lord, sit in His presence and listen. Let Him minister to you.

Blessings,
Pastor David