Our church is currently conducting a theme study on the Ten Commandments. It was interesting to delve into the commandments themselves, including God’s intentions for them, how humans have abandoned them, and how we should live them.
Something that our pastor talked about that I found very interesting is that the word “commandment” actually means “word” in the original Hebrew. Basically, the Ten Commandments are God’s words to His people. In fact, the first verse of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20 says, “Then God spoke all these words, saying, I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt and out of the house of bondage.”
When you hear or see the words “Ten Commandments,” what immediately comes to mind? Do you think of a stern God who rules with an iron fist? Does the thought of being told what to do make your selfishness bristling? Do you feel like it’s impossible to always meet that standard? Are you sure about where you’re falling short? Most of us feel uncomfortable when we think of the Ten Commandments.
We don’t know if we would react this way because the Old Testament shows us without the wisdom to know what God was truly doing with the people of Israel. Or maybe our only impression of the Ten Commandments was the movie starring Charlton Heston about Moses and the Ten Commandments?
In any case, I think it’s important to look at the Ten Commandments from a new perspective. A perspective that emphasizes a loving God who intended to share His Word with us, not to command His people in the harsh sense of the word.
Because God’s love is for us to keep His commandments. And God’s commandments are not a burden. ” 1 John 5:3
Discover love and wisdom in God’s commands
“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. His commandments are trustworthy, making the simple wise. His commandments are right, giving joy to the heart.” Psalm 19:7-8
I am currently reading Deuteronomy. It is not an easy book, as it contains many other laws besides the Ten Commandments. But as I read Deuteronomy 22 recently, my eyes were opened to what God is doing through these additional laws. Essentially, this passage was talking about laws that concerned the safety of other people’s livestock and neighbors, as well as moral laws that prescribed things like the proper treatment of virgins and not taking other people’s wives. I realized that these supplementary laws were, so to speak, bullet points of the Ten Commandments, enumerating proper treatment of one’s neighbor and proper treatment in marriage, namely, not to commit adultery.
Looking back on this further, all I saw was God’s love teaching me in an applied way how to obey the Ten Commandments. These additional laws were not intended to be burdensome or add burdens that no one could bear, but in a practical sense to guide God’s children in framing how to apply those commands in their own lives. The Lord protected His children from the very serious consequences of breaking any of the Ten Commandments, some of which carried the death penalty.
In the commandments and laws we see God as a loving Father. Just as an earthly father instructs his children in proper behavior to avoid punishment, chastisement, and low self-esteem, so the Lord guides us through His Word, the commands written by His finger on two tablets centuries ago. “The Lord has commanded us to obey all these statutes and to fear the Lord our God, so that we may always prosper and live.” Deuteronomy 6:24
Here we see that God’s commands are wise, life-giving, and for our benefit.
Understanding God’s Will as it Relates to the Commandments
“I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them in their hearts; I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Jeremiah 31:33
The first verse of the Bible’s chapter on the Ten Commandments reveals God’s heart regarding the commandments. God is reminding the Israelites that He is their God and that they are His people. Not only that, but Jesus also says the same thing to modern-day believers. We are God’s children, and God desires a relationship with us by being our God. This is not spoken of in a sovereign manner towards us, but of an amazing love.
Years ago, there was a popular newspaper column called “Dear Ann Landers.” I remember a letter a boy wrote to his parents telling him that there were no rules to follow and that he could do whatever he wanted. But the problem for him was that he didn’t feel like they loved him as a result. Her response was: “Children need a structure to feel their parents’ love because it gives them a sense of security and protection and makes them feel that their parents want to keep them safe.”
This is a great example of God’s will as it relates to the Ten Commandments. When God is said to be our God through these Ten Commandments, we must see God as Lord, our protector and king. We are safe under God’s rule. Nothing can harm us, especially when we obey God’s laws. There is no safer place than in the heart of God.
The Lord has written commandments on our hearts to change us and enable us to understand the heart of God’s love for us. On the contrary, we show our love for God by obeying.
How commands reveal God’s desire for life
“I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Now choose life, that you and your children may live and love the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 30:19
Even the best laid plans never seem to work out, especially when they come up in a person’s head without seeking the Lord. We are left to our own devices and take the easy path. However, the “easy” path often involves shortcuts that break the rules.
When I was a child, our family lived close enough to walk to school. In fact, our neighborhood was on the back side of the road leading to the back of the school. But that would require passing through someone’s beautifully landscaped garden, and the owner had made it clear that was not allowed. Instead, neighborhood children walked in detours on sidewalks along busy roads. One summer day, my friend and I wanted to go hit a tennis ball against the school wall. Her backyard was adjacent to an attractive shortcut, so we decided to take a chance and run through it. Even as a child, I was afraid of being caught, even though I followed the rules. On the way to school, I kept looking back. I expected to see our neighbors come after us and threaten to tell our parents. That’s the moral of the story. Although I survived, I was still in pain. I was anxious and guilty, but I still wondered what the outcome was going to be.
No matter how old you are, things won’t get easier if you don’t follow the rules or bend them. It will continue to affect us in some way. Whether in our own minds or actually caught up in the aftermath.
Choosing the right method will always turn out to be the easy way in the end, even if it seems difficult at first. The Lord has established His commandments for us to obey. Because it is essentially life-giving and a blessing to us. When we follow God’s instructions, our lives become happier.
When we live our lives as obedient children of God, we model that behavior to our children. They see in us a respect for God’s Word and Law. Little eyes are always watching. It’s very important to not overlook small, seemingly harmless indiscretions, such as taking too much change at the register and not giving it back. They mentally justify it by saying, “Oh, I’ve been overcharged a few times in the past.” Instead, we must always do the right thing, not just in front of our children. It will bring great benefits as children grow into adults. Because you love the Lord with all your heart and choose to live a life of obedience to His commands, your entire family will enjoy peace and happiness.
Once sin entered the world, life became complicated. The Lord gave clear instructions for His children to follow and established commands to ensure that their lives would be blessed. And what’s even more amazing is that God knows our hearts. Even if we stumble in our commands, when we completely repent and turn to the Lord, He will forgive us and put us back on the right path.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for ordering and designing in all things. Thank you for loving us so much and giving us commandments to obey. In Jesus name, amen
Did you discover anything new about God’s commands here that you hadn’t noticed before?
How does this new perspective change your personal view of God’s commands?
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/allanswart
Karen Dell Tattoo is a blogger, author, women’s ministry leader, pastor’s wife, mother, and grandmother who is passionate about God’s Word. Her blog, “Growing Together in Grace and Knowledge,” and her books, “Choosing to Trust God: Breaking the Habit of Worry,” “A 30-Day Devotional,” and “Choosing to Trust God Companion Journal,” reveal her heart offering biblical insights to inspire women to grow in, through, and overcome hardship. Karen and her husband live in Rhode Island and enjoy walking in the woods, petting owls, and spending time with their grandchildren.
