Today's Thought

Today’s thought from Exodus 22-24

 

The people of Israel have been in bondage to the Egyptians for hundreds of years and likely at this point much of what they do must look very Egyptian. While scripture doesn’t specifically say this I think it can be inferred from the context and what we know of Gods nature that he wanted there to be nothing that would take their eyes off of him and the relationship he was trying to restore with his people.  While on the mountain God is writing their social, political, and religious law all over for the them again.  Leaving nothing for there to be discussion over.  Do not be mistaken this is not the founding documents of a democracy.  This is wholly a kingdom, established by God, for God, and with the glorification of God and the dominance of his people within the land in mind.  God means business.  He is setting up this people as a nation; he demands their loyalty, service and obedience.  For which he will richly provide for them, prosper them, keep them well, etc…  Depending on where you stand on the God thing, you could look at this passage of scripture and say what a benevolent God that wants his people to be protect and prospered, or you can read this and say what a dictator, God is, demanding everything and leaving nothing for the people to decide.  So which is right?  The answer is both; the perception of God is personal. And so is the choice to follow him, It is now as it was then.  I am sure there were people in that culture that saw it both ways then as we do now.  God is constant, and that is undeniable.  We are the variable.  Will we love, honor, respect, obey, follow, worship and bless the God that has so richly provided for is, or will we resent him for perceived rules and obligations that may seem at surface level to restrict.  I think if we look openly at this passage as well as others we see that the rules aren’t really restrictive, the burden isn’t heavy and the reality is that if we would simply follow as we are asked, there is a tremendous life available to us just in following, but we know that in following faithfully Gods abundance is poured out on us.  I don’t know why we struggle so with this but we aren’t alone in our struggle.  (unfortunately)

 

If we look at what God has laid out here as opportunity for faithfulness rather than regulation, our perspective and following will be very different.

Have a great day

Rob