SEARCHLIGHT
Are the Ten Commandments relevant for today?
SCRIPTURE
These are the commandments the Lord proclaimed in the loud voice to your whole assembly there on the mountain from out of the fire, the cloud and the deep darkness; and He added nothing more. Then He wrote them on two stone tablets and gave them to me.… Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever! ... Walk in obedience to all of the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess… Deuteronomy 5:22,29,33 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
A minister was speaking about the importance of obeying all of God’s laws and principles. Jokingly he asked, “Who was the biggest lawbreaker in the Bible?” When no one could answer, he responded by saying, “Moses! He broke all 10 Commandments at once.”
For all the people reading this devotional who are highly tech-savvy, did you know that Moses was the first person to use a tablet with data from the cloud? And did you also know that stone tablets were the original hard drive?
Just in case you have not guessed, today we begin a devotional study focusing on the Ten Commandments. We will examine each commandment and see what the Bible says about it. Our goal is to understand its relevance for today’s living.
Here’s the truth. Few people know the 10 Commandments. Many people do not believe they are relevant. Still others want to write a new set that would include “Just do it; Just be; Sometimes you ‘gotta’ break the rules.” In addition, so many people resist being ordered. They prefer to rename God’s 10 Commandments the 10 Suggestions. But God never made the 10 Commandments optional. He does not say, “Pick and choose which ones you like.”
Read today’s Scripture focus again. Here are 3 key questions:
- What value are the 10 Commandments for today? God gave the 10 Commandments not to irritate you but to benefit you. He did not give them to restrict your happiness. Certainly, God is not a kill joy. Instead, God gave them to protect you. People who are considering becoming a Christian need to realize as Jeff Keaton has said, “…all of God’s laws are filled with God’s love.” These 10 truths will lead you to maximum fulfillment and freedom. All the “Thou shalt nots” are really God’s invitation for you to discover real and unselfish living. When you say “yes” to the “no’s”, you avoid pitfalls. God never gives impractical, idealistic instructions. He is your Master Designer who knows you the best. God gave the “10” to promote healthy lifestyles and families. You need God’s protection policy more than an insurance policy.
- Who should live by the 10 Commandments? Many people believe there is no need or value to abide by them. They dismiss an all-important truth. Only human beings can know the highest reasons for living because God made man in His image. People who want to know God in a personal way will SAY “YES” TO “NO”. God reveals Himself in these moral commands. In addition, people who want to know about life and the best way to experience fulfillment will SAY “YES” TO “NO”. God reveals the best goals, priorities, hopes and values to live by.
- What did Jesus Christ say about the 10 Commandments? Jesus never wanted to replace or change them. He never hinted to doing away with them. He said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” [Matthew 5:17 NIV] In fact, Jesus was very clear that He chose to keep all of His Father’s 10 Commandments. He said, “If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” [John 15:10 NIV]
God invites you to live a life that makes sense, brings harmony and develops the best in you. In the following devotionals, you will see that the first 4 commandments deal with your relationship to God. The last 6 commandments deal with your relationship to people. Your Creator is calling you to a life design that leads to blessing. His will, His ways and His whys lead you to discover life’s best. God’s “NO’s” mean a “YES” of unlimited, unending blessings for you. SAY “YES” TO “NO”.
SOMETHING TO DO
Will you accept God’s call to know God’s ways rather than your ways or the world’s ways? Matthew 6:8 states, “Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” [Matthew 6:8 NIV] Will you choose functional living rather than dysfunctional living? Romans 12:2 states, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, today and always I choose to live by Your 10 Commandments. I believe they are not restrictive but given for my benefit because You created me, love me and only want the best for me. Thank You, Lord God. AMEN!