Day 15

Friday, March 5
Exodus 20:22-23-19

“Signs” by Five Man Electrical Band, and later by Tesla, is such a great song that bucks authority. I’ve always had a problem with what I would consider stupid authority. Rules for no good reason. As I read the scripture passage in Exodus 20:22-23:19, the hair on my neck begins to stand up. Because man, “The Law” seems like a bunch of dumb rules.

Probably because so many of them are outdated.

However, we can definitely see wisdom in these passages if we look for it. God was using the words here to lay out guidelines for how God’s people should live. While the language about slavery and death penalties for things like ‘cursing your father or mother’ are a far cry from what we consider the norm today, maybe we can learn a thing or two about how we treat immigrants and refugees.

These rules were written for a people governed by a theocracy, meant to establish precise laws so that the rich did not prey on the poor, that basic health was maintained, and that justice was carried out. Definitely an eye-for-an-eye mentality.

For Christians, the most important commandments of the Ten Commandments are the ones that Jesus pointed out. ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Jesus goes on to say about this Exodus passage: “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

God, teach me to love you with all of my soul and with all of my mind. And help me to love my neighbor as myself. Amen.