And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. . . “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. “You shall not murder. “You shall not commit adultery. “You shall not steal. “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Exodus 20:1,2,12-17
Zeal for Service
Daily Devotion – March 8, 2024
Devotion based on Exodus 20:1,2,12-17
See series: Devotions
As a child, you sometimes bristled at your parents, teachers, and coach’s rules. They felt restrictive, burdensome, and unnecessary.
There are times you feel like that about God’s rules, too. Today’s Bible reading focuses on the fourth to tenth commandments. God’s commandments are straightforward, but we might wonder, “Does God realize the situation that I’m in? Those government leaders are corrupt and inept. That person deserves my revenge. My lusting doesn’t hurt anyone. My employer should pay me more if they want more effort. It’s fun to talk about the juicy gossip. Some people do seem to have all the luck.”
God is aware of how your sinful nature thinks. That’s why he has rules. They aren’t meant to keep you from having fun. They are meant to help you and others enjoy life more. The God who gave you the Ten Commandments is the same God who saves you from hell and gives you freedom from slavery to sin. You can trust this God when he tells you that selfish sins never lead to a more enjoyable life. God wants to spare you from the suffering that goes with your selfish sins.
Unfortunately, none of us can perfectly keep God’s commandments. But Jesus did. And because he did so in our place, God gives us the credit for Jesus’ perfect life. Let this promise not only comfort you but motivate you to strive all the more to follow God’s loving commandments.
Prayer:
Gracious Savior, give me zeal to follow your commandments, knowing that you know what is best for me and those around me. Amen.
