THE LAW
Exodus 20:1-17

Unlocking the Mystery Series
September 27, 2009
Pastor Nathan J. Thompson

As many of you know I have taken care of my two grandchildren each Monday since they were born.  The amazing thing is that Soren is now five years old and started all-day kindergarten this fall.  Now Elise, 2, and I get to hang out together most of the day.  What a special time that is.

In caring for my grandchildren these five years, I have relearned the importance of child safety car seats.  In fact, the ones we have purchased for our car are much better than the ones we had when our children were small.

These safety seats are much sturdier and better anchored in the backseat.  Also, the back seat shoulder belts on our car are made much better and help keep the children much more secure.  It is wonderful how technology keeps improving car safety.

Now as I fasten my grandchildren into their child safety seats each week I realize following this state law is one of the most loving things I can do for them.  I mean, I would never think of getting angry at this law and refuse to follow it.

I would never complain that it is too much work to put them in, or that this impinges on my or their personal freedoms, or that we should be free to take our chances.  No, following this law is a very loving and caring thing for me to do.

Having this law or boundary reminds me that there are many dangers we need protection from; all of us are vulnerable to accidents and tragedies. Following this law is a loving way of seeking to protect these children from possible catastrophe.

In the same way, my friends, when God gave His people the law, the Ten Commandments, He did not give them in order to hamper people’s freedom or take away their fun.  No, God gave these laws because He loves us with an everlasting love, and because He wants only what is best and most beautiful in our lives.

God gave these laws, these boundaries, so that we will keep our faith and purpose centered in Him and live in harmony, love and joy with others.  The law is a loving gift to protect us from spiritual and relationship catastrophes.

As we seek to unlock the mysteries of the Bible and as we focus on important events and keys to understanding God’s salvation history, the giving and purpose of the law is one of those keys.  For in this law we experience God’s loving purpose for us as God’s people.

We experience some important boundaries and guidelines in how to live for God and in relationship with others.  These laws remind us that God is Lord of all and that our lives are to be centered in Him.  They also remind us that we are in community with others and are not just independent individuals.  God’s will is always centered in loving community.

The first three commandments, of course, focus on our relationship with God:  “You shall have no other gods; do not take the name of the Lord your God in vain; remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.”

These commands remind us that our God is to be the number one priority in our faith and daily living.  If God is number one in us, and if we trust Him above everything, then we will definitely use His name properly for prayer and praise, and will observe the Sabbath by worshipping Him faithfully.

The second table of the law, commandments 4–10, talks about our relationship with others:  “Honor your father and mother; you shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor; you shall not covet.”

We need to treat other people with respect, seek to protect their lives and their possessions, seek to preserve and respect our relationships and marriage vows. We must not lie about or spread mistruths about others. We should not covet or desire what others have. We need to be thankful and content with our blessings. If we do these things, life will be more peaceful, interdependent relying on the care of others, more loving.  These commands are God’s gifts to help us have a joy-filled life.

Oh, I know there are some today who humorously refer to our society’s attitude—that these 10 Commandments today are often seen as four commands, four suggestions, and two that are no longer relevant at all.  It is amazing how easily we seek marginalize God’s laws.

As some of you know my family and I have had the opportunity two times to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, to stay overnight at Phantom Ranch, and to hike out again.  It is an amazing and yet physically demanding experience.  It challenges your mind, your muscles and your endurance in many difficult ways.

The interesting thing as you hike down one of the Grand Canyon trails is that there are many signs warning people of what could happen if they keep going further.  It reminds people to make sure they have enough water along.  It warns them of how difficult it can be to hike out. It also lets them know that if they venture too far and cannot hike out, a helicopter rescue will cost them over $2,000.  Each year quite a few people get part or all the way down and cannot get out.  It is an expensive mistake.

This same example is true in our lives when it comes to God’s laws.  God warns us to be careful as we venture down some of the roads or choices we face each day.  He warns us how easy the hike into sin may be, but how difficult the consequences and hike out may be.

We all know people, my friends, or perhaps have experienced in our own lives, those times when we have disregarded God’s laws or have wandered down this path too far.  Perhaps it was what you thought was just a little lie that spread into something bigger.  Perhaps it was a little denial of God that led you down a path of struggles with your faith.

God gave His law not because He is mean or wants to take away your fun.  He gave His law out of love to protect you, to guide you, to keep you from going down a path that may be a catastrophe.  Believe me, my friends; God only wants what is best and most life giving for you.

Now you may wonder how these laws of God fit in to God’s Biblical salvation history, and how we should understand the law with the coming of Jesus.  There are some, of course, who think the coming of Jesus did away with the law and made it irrelevant.

Yet Jesus, when He was asked what the greatest commandment is answered,

“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 you love yourself.”
—Matthew 22:37-39)

The first and second tables of the Ten Commandments in a nutshell.

Jesus also said in Matthew 5:17, “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.”  In other words, Jesus came to help us understand the purpose and meaning of the law.

The Apostle Paul says in Romans 6:1, “What shall we say, then?  Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?  By no means!” The message of Paul is that Jesus and His grace do not exempt us from following these laws, or from the consequences of not following them.

Yet as the fulfillment of the law, Jesus shows us by His life the example of how to follow God’s path.  Jesus shows us what it means to love and serve God in all things.  He shows examples from His own life on how to love your neighbor, your enemy, how to give a cup of cold water to those in need.  Much of the New Testament gospels teach us these lessons.

Jesus also teaches us how following these laws and guidelines do not mean we can work or earn our way to God’s favor.  Rather, Jesus demonstrates that we are to love and follow God’s path simply because of His great love for us.  We should joyfully love others because God loves us.  Following God’s laws, like putting my grandchildren in a car seat, should never be a burden—it is the most loving way to live.

Jesus is also the fulfillment of God’s laws; since none of us can follow God’s laws perfectly, and since we all are sinful and unclean, Jesus is our only hope and assurance.  Jesus suffered and died on the cross taking all our sins and broken laws upon Himself.

In His resurrection, He offers forgiveness, new life and the chance to follow His ways and guidelines again.  Jesus in His grace wants to save you from the times you may stray from His will and venture down the wrong path, and he wants to restore your life again.

The story is told of the man who was hurrying to get his 11-year-old daughter to school.  In his rush he turned right on a red light where it was prohibited.  “Uh-oh,” he said.  “I just made an illegal turn.” 

“That’s all right,” his daughter said, “The police car behind us just did the same thing.”

My friends, God gave His law out of love in order to protect and make our lives better.  God sent His only Son, Jesus, to fulfill this law, to forgive us when we fail each day and to show us how to follow His path in grace and love.  May God guide you as you live for Him each day.