Exodus 19:16-21:21 + Matthew 23:13-39 + Psalm 28:1-9 + Proverbs 7:1-5
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Old Testament – Big day today! Ten Commandments day! This kind of snuck up on me, but it was a great surprise. Today in Exodus chapter 19 Mount Sinai plays quite a prominent role in the narrative. Below is an image of Mt. Sinai that I think correlates well with verse 18: “All Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the LORD had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain shook with a violent earthquake.”
Exodus chapter 20 brings us the Ten Commandments. And as I like to do from time to time on this blog, I’d like to share with you Eugene Peterson’s “The Message” paraphrase of the Ten Commandments from verses 1 – 20:
“GOD spoke all these words:
I am GOD, your God,
who brought you out of the land of Egypt,
out of a life of slavery.
No other gods, only me.
No carved gods of any size, shape, or form of anything whatever, whether of things that fly or walk or swim. Don’t bow down to them and don’t serve them because I am GOD your God, and I’m a most jealous God, punishing the children for any sins their parents pass on to them to the third, and yes, even to the fourth generation of those who hate me. But I’m unswervingly loyal to the thousands who love me and keep my commandments.
No using the name of GOD your God, in curses or silly banter; GOD won’t put up with the irreverent use of his name.
Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Work six days and do everything you need to do. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to GOD your God. Don’t do any work–not you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your servant, nor your maid, nor your animals, not even the foreign guest visiting in your town. For in six days GOD made Heaven, Earth, and sea, and everything in them; he rested on the seventh day. Therefore GOD blessed the Sabbath day; he set it apart as a holy day.
Honor your father and mother so that you’ll live a long time in the land that GOD your God, is giving you.
No murder.
No adultery.
No stealing.
No lies about your neighbor.
No lusting after your neighbor’s house–or wife or servant or maid or ox or donkey. Don’t set your heart on anything that is your neighbor’s.”
Has anyone else noticed that The Message in the Old Testament doesn’t really seem to stray too far from other translations, whereas The Message in the New Testament can take some wild leaps and twists and turns? Just something I noticed recently… I am curious – are there many Message One Year Bible readers participating with us this year? A great overview and commentary on the Ten Commandments is online at bible.org at this link. I think this image below is helpful in that it shows the first 4 commandments are about our relationship with God and the next 6 about our relationship with people:
Verse 19 in this chapter is intriguing as the Israelites speak to Moses: “”You tell us what God says, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us. If he does, we will die!”” The NIV Study Bible commentary suggests that this is the first time that people asked for a “mediator” between them and God. And that mediator is initially fulfilled in Moses, then in the Aaronic / Levitical priests, then in the prophets, and then finally in Jesus Christ – our final mediator. Powerful for each of us to consider… Who is the mediator between you and God?
I liked reading and considering the simplicity of God’s instructions on the proper use of altars in verses 24 & 25: “”The altars you make for me must be simple altars of earth…. Build altars in the places where I remind you who I am, and I will come and bless you there. If you build altars from stone, use only uncut stones. Do not chip or shape the stones with a tool, for that would make them unfit for holy use.” For some reason the simplicity of these altars stood in stark contrast to the religiosity Jesus goes after in our Matthew readings today. Maybe God likes us to keep things simple? This is an interesting thing to consider. The gospel message is not complicated. It’s simple. Sometimes I think we do a pretty good job of complicating it for ourselves or others though. When maybe instead we should just be sharing with others our simple altars to God….
Exodus chapter 21 dives into some regulations surrounding slavery. I know this brings up some questions. The One Year Bible Companion today covers this topic at a high level: “The Hebrews, though freed from slavery, had slaves themselves. A person could become a slave because of poverty, debt, or even crime. But Hebrew slaves were treated as humans, not property, and were allowed to work their way to freedom. The Bible acknowledges the existence of slavery but never encourages it.” For further study on this topic – Bible.org has commentary on slavery in the Bible at this link, and at this link, and at this link.
New Testament – Today in Matthew 23 we read Jesus’ “Woe to you!” warnings and teachings. Verses 25 & 26 stood out to me today: “”How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! You are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy–full of greed and self-indulgence! Blind Pharisees! First wash the inside of the cup, and then the outside will become clean, too.” These verses reminded me a lot of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus very clearly goes to the heart of the matter with many of the Laws. These verses are such a strong reminder for us to guard our hearts – and what we let into our hearts – and the condition of our hearts. Because Jesus is much more concerned about the condition of our hearts than the condition of our skin. He wants to heal us from the inside out. How is the condition of your heart today? Will you allow Jesus to heal your heart? To heal you from the inside out? Where will you find true inner peace to heal you from the inside out?
Psalms – Psalm 28 verse 2 stood out to me today – “Listen to my prayer for mercy as I cry out to you for help, as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.” The thing that stood out to me is the image of the Psalmist “lifting his hands” in prayer. I’m curious about this – if you don’t mind sharing in the Comments section below – do you periodically lift your hands in prayer? Do you kneel when you pray? Close your eyes? Bow your head? What do you do to really signify your worship and praise of God? Do you think lifting our hands or doing other body movements can change the way we pray to God – rather than doing nothing unique with our body? Let me know if you have Comments on this below… thanks… My quick thoughts are that we can absolutely pray at any time in any place without lifting our hands or closing our eyes or bowing, etc. I think this gets toward the idea of “praying unceasingly.” However – I do think there is something special about the times in our day when we can really spend some quality quiet time with God in prayer. And the best way for me to personally do this is by really changing my body language first – by kneeling down, closing my eyes, bowing my head, maybe lifting my hands, etc. This somehow I think brings me closer to God – it doesn’t bring God closer to me – he’s always close. But, somehow, what I do with my body before & during prayer can definitely make a difference in how long I will actually pray to God and how deep into prayer & listening I will go. How about for you?
Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 7 verses 1 – 3 today are powerful: “Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands. Obey them and live! Guard my teachings as your most precious possession. Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.” Do you guard God’s teachings as your most precious possession? If not, what is your most precious possession? And then where do God’s teachings rank in comparison to your other possessions?
Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Matthew West’s song “Truth Be Told:”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4wYkS8Z3Io
Do you want your truth to be told? Click here for Truth!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” Matthew 23:3 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you won’t ever neglect justice, mercy and faithfulness in your life. Pray for justice. Pray for mercy. Pray for faithfulness.
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Since we’ve arrived at the Ten Commandments in our readings today, now is an appropriate time to ask – are the Ten Commandments important to you? Why? Have they always been important to you? I will confess that there was a time early in my Christian walk where the Ten Commandments didn’t really matter to me. All that mattered at that time was my faith in Jesus. But, then, I personally felt that I was not moving forward as a disciple of Jesus’ without meditating upon and considering and, yes, applying the Ten Commandments to my life. Am I perfect when it comes to the Ten Commandments? Of course not, this side of heaven. But meditating upon the Ten Commandments and meditating upon my actions – in relationship with Jesus and inviting Jesus into this process – has changed my heart and my actions. Do you think that we should meditate upon the Ten Commandments and our actions? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
======= Ramona:
Exodus 19:16-21:21
God sets boundaries for us not because He is some kind of control freak, but because He loves us and planned the best for us in eternity. If we do not cross the boundaries the negative cause and effects of law breaking does not come into existence.
And you will set boundaries for the people all around, saying, “Take heed to yourselves not to go up on the mountain nor touch its edge. Whoever touches the mountain will surely be put to death! (Exodus 19:12 NET.)
Ever since “In the beginning …” God has placed boundaries in his creation. The entire first chapter of Genesis God is setting boundaries. In the garden, God tells man, “You may freely eat fruit from every tree of the orchard, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will surely die.” (Genesis 2:15-17 NET.)
The Ten Commandments are boundaries for righteous living upon the earth and if crossed, there are consequences. Maybe we look at these boundaries wrongly. If we see them as just a list of ten things not to do, then they are just a burdensome list of do nots. However, if we see them as a safety net to keep us snug and warm provided by a Father who loves us dearly, then the burdensome nature of a bunch of dos and don’ts cease. If we fully understand that God’s desire is to meet every one of our needs, we will wait on Him and not try to get it ourselves.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= Anka:
I still don’t get it…God acknowledges slavery but doesn’t discourage it.He gave specific rules about everything..hebrews are not to be slaves(they are to be freed after 7 years)..but lets say the owner of a slaves beats him and maims him,the owner gets away with it cos the slave is property..
It seems so unfair to me but I know God knows better than I do..I just pray he helps me understand why cruelty should not be dealt with.
I think when you don’t forbid a person to do a thing it means you are ok with which means God thought it ok to have slaves and if the slave wasn’t hebrew he could be a slave for life.A man could actually sell his kids into slavery…and have two wifes if he treats them right?!!I really never read that part of the bible…I think I’m in for a lot of surprises as I read through the bible
God bless you all
Anka
====== Ramona:
Anka—I’m thinking slavery, like divorce, comes under God’s permissive will and not under His perfect will. God does not like divorce, but we divorce anyway. To be enslaved to someone, even something, means your life is submitted to that person or thing, we have submitted ourselves or are submitted to that which is not God, kind of something like an unauthorized mediator between those who are enslaved and God. A person then has two masters. Marriage, although possibly looked at as a form of enslavement by many, was intended to be two become one flesh and, as one flesh, submitted to God.
Could it be that the same principal behind God allowing divorce, man’s hardness of heart, is the same reason why God here gives rules on the treatment of slaves?
They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her.” But Jesus said to them, “He wrote this commandment for you because of your hard hearts. But from the beginning of creation he made them male and female. (Mark 10:4-6 NET.)
As for prayer postures, Mike, the postures you present all have to do with one thing, submission, the body language takes on the posture of submission. Raised hands indicate surrender to God. When someone points a gun to our heads and says, “Stick ‘um up,” we submit to the authority of the one holding the gun. Lying face down on the floor/ground or assuming the position of kneeling, means you are acknowledging the One who is Over All. Sadly, these postures can all be choreographed to give the appearance of submission and to impress the crowd, but either way, sincere or show, God knows the heart.
Interesting how the commonality of all four readings flows forth from the scriptures and that is submission. Whether in body language, prayer posture, wrongly choosing to submit to man’s laws over God’s, and submitting to words of wisdom, God’s Word, Old or New Testament is the same message presented from different perspectives.
It is said that we all have different learning styles and God covers them all in His Word. Because He created us to have those different styles, God is not a one-size fits all kind of Guy, He meets everyone at their point of need and at their ability.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= Roslyn:
I have the same question as Anka’s regarding slavery—- acknowledging but not encouraging. Seems to me lik a play of words. If someone acknowledges that something is wrong which means that you are aware of its existence, shouldn’t something be done about it—discourage it?
The Ten Commandments as summed up by the word LOVE indeed. Love of God and of others. Loving others presupposes love of self for we can’t love others without loving ourselves first. Without love of self tbere’s really nothing to give…
Turning upward, outward and inward, to me, is truly being centered in LOVE!
Roslyn
======= Joe:
Anka
I have trouble with this also.
The only way I could justify it is that you were supposed to treat your servants fairly. In doing so you would be like an employer, giving food and shelter.
Joe
======= Kev:
Regarding slaves, divorce etc…
I’m no scholar or pastor, but my view is that some of the laws given in the Old Testament did not fully reflect Gods perfect holiness. What I mean is it seems He gave the laws to test the people of Israel and gave them the possibility to be “ok” with God by following these laws.
In the New Testament, however, things are a bit different. We are exposed to Gods perfect will:
Matthew 5:48 “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5:27-28 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
So while we are exposed to Gods perfect will in the NT we have also gotten Jesus and The Holy Spirit as gifts to enable us to live accordingly.
So God knew the people in the OT couldn’t bear His perfect will so instead He made a covenant with them, the laws, which gave them the possibility to be accepted in His eyes.
Since I’m no guru I’d be glad to get some feedback on this idea. (Also please excuse my poor English)
Kev
======= Debby:
musings:
Kev: God cannot change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He was just as much God in the OT as the new, though He sometimes chooses to work with people in different ways at different times. So many people want to cast off the God of the OT and His covenants, saying they don’t apply today. Sure, the ceremonial laws were done away with at the cross because they pointed to Christ and He fulfilled them. The health laws, though I believe were specifically for the Israelites at their time, have been proved in many ways to be a great way to healthful living today.
Debtors/servants I’ve always wondered how a person in the Bible stories could be ‘cast into prison until he had paid his debts.’ His family could also pay his debts. What kind of prison work/pay off debts program did they have? I’ll study this more.
May God bless our sincere study.
Debby
======= Kev:
Debby: Yes, I agree. Perhaps I wasn’t clear on what I meant. I wasn’t implying that God changes or that the commandments would not apply. Jesus didn’t come abolish the law, but he fulfilled it.
Still, do you think the Israelites would have had a chance if God would simply have asked them to be perfect like their Father in heaven is?
My point is the same as Ramona’s point regarding divorce:
“Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her.” But Jesus said to them, “He wrote this commandment for you because of your hard hearts. But from the beginning of creation he made them male and female. (Mark 10:4-6 NET.)
So what I meant was that even if God didn’t forbid slavery or divorce (it was allowed with a certificate of dismissal) doesn’t mean He sees these as good things. This is revealed to us in the NT.
Even if this is so, it doesn’t change one word in the Law.
Matthew 5:17-18 “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. Truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”
Kev
======= Nancy:
I feel that God made the sabbath day for us — not him.
It is for us to have a day of rest and to worship Him. I personally don’t feel it matters what day you do that as long as we get the rest and worship we need. Of course we need to worship God everyday, but the day of rest is up to us. I really don’t think we need to quibble about what day, but to observe a day of rest and worship.
Thanks again for the format and May God Bless All of You.
Nancy
======= Luch:
Perhaps a word from Romans 14 might be useful for us as we banter around the Lord’s day vs the Sabbath…”One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he give gives thanks to God; and he who abstains; does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God” (vs 5-6)
When it comes to issues of docttrinal observances I think we would do well to follow the apostle Paul’s exhortation in Galatians 5:6 “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”
As Karl Bath liked to say, “All theology is a matter of EMPAHSIS.” I guess we all tend to emphasize those parts of the Scriptures that reflect our personal biases and cultural values. For that reason Paul’s teaching is very freeing. What is most amazing is that Paul is the one from whom we derive so many of our doctrinal perspectives, and yet, on some matters, he allows there to be room for people to holding differing views.
How about this for a thoughtful attitude towards differing views: “In essentials unity, in non essentials, liberty, in all things, charity.”
Luch
======= Ramona:
Luch, thank you for your gracious words.
Let us strive to operate fully as the body of Christ and to learn that there is unity in diversity. Just as in the score of a Symphony, not all instruments play the same notes and the same time. So too, our bodies don’t all have parts that operate the same way. Even at rest, our bodies as a whole rest, but there are still function, organs, body systems that continue to work, ‘though slower then when at work and play.
Jesus is our Symphonic conductor let each of us keep our eyes on Jesus and not the second trumpet in the back row, especially if you are not the second trumpet and you happen to be first violin.
Ramona has a lot of different body parts and systems that make up Ramona. However, try as I can, and failing to have the flexibility as I did as a child, my clavicle does not hang out with my Proximal Phalanges. (Shoulder and the first join of my middle toe). And if it could how productive would I be? Our body has nine systems. Not all work the same way and not all do the same function. Our Lymphatic system gets in full gear when and\ infection invades our bodies. Does that mean that it is lazy because it not as active measurably as our Cardiovascular system? I think not. Translate the way our bodies work to the church and just begin to think about it. Are we challenging people to do what we do when they are suppose to be doing something else?
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= Chip:
I witnessed a very hurtful discussion/argument regarding Saturday versus Sunday and the Sabbath. I don’t wish ever to see it happen again.
I am in agreement with Luciano on this question, and as I read the Bible, God ordained the principle of one day of rest in seven, NOT a specific day on which to observe that rest.
And Paul is exactly the right person to consider; that the views of this man, formerly the most legalistic of Jews, changed so dramatically to emphasize faith is miraculoous. With that in mind, I will also add that Paul taught that the freedom of our faith should not be a stumbling block to ohters. If my conscience is clear to observe Sunday as Sabbath to the Lord, I will not use that freedom to offend or cause to stumble a brother who is convicted to observe Saturday as Sabbath.
I love “In essentials unity, in non essentials, liberty, in all things, charity.” – the “motto” of the independent non-denominational Christian church movement in which I was raised.
Chip
======= Anka:
Well I had thought of the issue of the sabbath…if God is the same yesterday,today and forever…and he gave 10 commandents which included the command to observe the sabbath…then how come we all accept the other 9 and argue if we should have sabbath as God ordered on the 7th day…or just have it on another convenient day….just a thought amongst others I’ve had so far…thanks for explaining the issue on the slavery.
God bless you all
Anka
======= Chip:
Anka,
That’s kind of my point – the principle of the Sabbath is one day of rest set apart out of seven: work six days, and the seventh is Sabbath.
[Very rhetorical, potentially inflammatory question]
Speaking legalistically, if I’m born on a Thursday, must I then work six days, and take Wednesday as Sabbath?
Remember, the Sabbath is created for man, not man for the Sabbath. I don’t see where God instituted a specific day of the week (I don’t even know the Hebrew names for days of the week – though we see a lot of feasts, festivals, fasts or other holy days referenced by day of *named* months in the OT).
If one chooses to set apart Sunday – or Saturday, or Tuesday, or whatever – as Sabbath to the Lord, is he not observing the principle correctly?
Again – for anyone convicted that Sabbath MUST be observed on a sepcific day of the week: I will be the last one to try to change your mind; you must follow the Spirit as directed by your conscience.
As long as all Christians allow each other the same grace for those matters not affecting our salvation, I think we’ll be okay.
Remember:
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Chip
======= Roslyn:
Time is relative so why should we “squabble” over the observance of Sabbath?
The existence of many religions and churches in the world today is obviously reflective of our diverse interpretation and perception of God’s Word.
In the end, we’re all talking about one and the same God—the God of infinte Love.
Roslyn
======= Nigel:
Keep Sunday Sacred is something I have heard many times in the past and I think that it is as true today as ever is was. Not so sure on the slavery issues raised by today’s readings, it seams that if you buy a woman she is yours forever but a man can work his way to freedom, surly we are all god’s children and we should all be treated the same. Perhaps I have missed something here but surly god would not allow someone to keep a slave against their will and as for piercing their ears as a mark of ownership, well maybe I am applying modern standards to a subject I don’t know much about but it does seam very wrong.
Nigel
======== Susan:
What fullfills the Ten Commandments in the New Testament? I have read both from the Old and New Testaments and Jesus said 2 things that I think speak and cover all Ten of the Commandments.
We are to Love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul and mind And to Love our neighbor as ourself.
That in my impression of all this summs up the Ten Commandments in ONE WORD
Agape. the God Kind of Love. because God IS Love and Love IS God.
It is the givng of you to Him, God and Love never fails. Amen?
Susan
======= Nancy:
Susan, I think what fulfills the 10 Commandments in the New Testament (and all the rest of the commandments) is not anything we do. Isn’t Jesus the Messiah the only one who ever can and has fulfilled the commandments?
Nancy
======= Ruth:
I have had many struggles in my christain walk with God as well as in my faith until this day I still do.one of the 10 commandements I been praying to God to help me in and that is using his name in vain.im ashamed to admited but its true.I have been hurt so deeply in other church that I attended.one of which isnt clear to me and that where it says whats so ever I bound in heaven I will also bound in earth etc.the pastor told me if I didnt leave the church the same way I came in that he would turn the keys of heaven so that God would never hear my prayers and would never except me as his child anymore.this is so hurtfull and confusing
Ruth
======= Ramona:
Ruth–I’m so sorry to hear about your “negative” church encounter. Please stay and read along with us as we go through God’s Word. Find out for yourself what God’s Word says. God is a God of mercy and grace and I don’t believe that God takes instructions from imperfect folk.
Ramona
======== Stef:
Ruth remember God loves you, no person can keep you away from God, if you accept Jesus as your Saviour then thats exactly what He is and pray for help to overcome the same sins that keep overcoming you..not one of us is perfect and were all learning from the Bible together.God bless you!
Stef
======= Andrew:
A thing that struck me about today’s readings is that, on the one hand, in Exodus we are reading about the first part of the law being given by God to the Israelites and, on the other hand, in Matthew we are reading a fierce tirade by Jesus against men whom he describes as hypocrites, blind guides, snakes, a brood of vipers and sons of hell because they abuse the law.
These men shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. They do not practice what they preach. They put heavy loads of law on men’s shoulders. But they neglect the more important matters of the law — justice, mercy and faithfulness.
So, I think we have to extremely careful in interpreting the law for others and saying they should do this or that because of the law.
I agree with Susan’s comment where she refers us to Jesus statement of the two most important laws:
– We are to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul and mind and to love our neighbour as ourself.
So let us love our neigbours. Let us be merciful and leave judgement to God. And live in the freedom of the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Blessings,
Andrew
======= Ann:
I have been reading both from Old and New Testament and seeing God of the Old and Jesus of the New. This has really gotten me to see God, How He is what He does and the patience that He has with those like Pharaoh who made me mad at what he kept promising to Moses and the Israelites and then going back on his word and God giving this king all opportunity to repent and to let the people go and each time the heart of that king hardened even more until God smote all the firstborn among the Egyptians.
I read several chapters a day I may slide but then I read that much more the next day. But I have learned a lot from these readings. How patient God is with people and how people still strive in wicked ways not adhering to God.
Moses is interesting in that He wanted Aaron to be the spokesperson for him to Pharaoh. That interests me. Why? And Why did Aaron end up joining in, in help fashion the golden calf. Why could they not wait? It seems to me this was a problem the children of Israel had. Waiting on God to provide. Matthew 6:25-34 says He will provide for all our needs and I see this played out in Exodus when God set them free. The wilderness. Many today us that as a place where man comes to the place where he has nothing and only God to look to for all His needs. You know the problem we have today? We have already all we need to meet those needs but where is God in all this? Left out there in man’s wilderness. Man has isolated himself off from the Life source and hooked into the last temptation that Satan tempted Jesus with. It is the things of the world and the lust of them glitter and glamour before them so that they want what they see and not God. So they have turned from God to what the Commandments say not to be doing. Selfishness versus the Agape of God.
That is what I learned from my studies in the Book of Exodus. It seems today parallels a bit like back during those times don’t you think?
Ann
========= Rosemary:
Dear Mike,
Jesus came to Perfect the law. If we love Him, then we should also obey Him. This would include aiming toward obeying all the Commandments.
Of course we will fail. We are humans, and our hearts are evil. Yet, we must strive.
As far as the slavery issue, we still have slavery in Sudan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, etc. and it burns me inside as if I were on fire. No! God does approve of this!
The Bible is also an historical book of events. Slavery was part of the history, and God was not going to allow us to cleanse the Bible from its history.
If you will look in 1Timothy 1:3-11, you will find that God does speak against slavery through Paul as he speaks to Timothy. (slave traders are as evil as murderers.)
I’m quite sure if you search a concordance, you will find many more examples. God bless you, and I pray this helps.
Rosemary
========= Jeff:
Mike,
The Ten Commandments are essential for us. As Christians, we need not follow the civil and ceremonial laws from the Old Testament, but God’s moral laws (such as the Ten) are eternal. Your image above of the commandments on 2 tablets–one for those commandments related to loving God and one for those related to loving other people (our neighbors) is a nice representation of The Greatest Commandment (which we just read yesterday in Matthew)–Jesus says: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your strength; and love your neighbor as yourself.” Isn’t Jesus telling us that this is the most fundamental, essential truth of our faith?
In saying this is “the greatest commandment”, Jesus calls us to look outside ourselves in directing our love–upward to God and outward to others if you will; not inward to ourselves. I suspect that by our own human nature we are already so self-absorbed that we don’t need to focus more inwardly on ourselves. Rather, our challenge is to humble ourselves (as Jesus did) and focus outwardly on God and other people. Read Philippians 2:3-11 (perhaps some of the most beautifully stated theology in the entire Bible) in this regard.
Your friend in Christ,
Jeff
======= Stacey:
Regarding slavery, it is unfortunate that we look at the Bible after having seen the results of centuries of sin with regards to slavery. Don’t forget that this is God’s word to the people that He called out from the world. They themselves had been in Egypt for 400 years. Slavery was all about employment in their world. It was normal to them– as was the trading of daughters for marriage to strangers. They definitely lived in a more primitive culture and did things differently. However, if one looks at Ex 1:8-11 you will see that a new king came to power and intentionally decided to abuse the Hebrews. This person intentionally chose to sin against them. They did not start out as slaves in Egypt. They were actually a huge economic force as shepherds and did contribute a lot toward their economy. The king was the one who felt threatened by the Hebrews, their numbers, their blessings, and their power. It was a war of light vs. darkness. The king brought sin and oppression into the mix.
By giving this word regarding slavery, God is making His own special people aware that they need to live differently than those around them. In the promised land, they would need to also set up an economic system that would provide for both business owners (land owners) and workers. As we read on in the Bible, we will discover that God had a pretty radical economic system in mind under His perfect will. His people were to own their own land by tribe and work at it together as brothers and sisters. However, even God’s people were corrupted by sin and they gave up their land, refused to work, abused and enslaved each other. So then it becomes quite interesting that the people to whom God speaks here had recently been slaves themselves. One would think then that they would already know not to enslave each other again. But God who knows men’s hearts brings the issue up to the surface and lets them know that He expects them to live counter to the culture around them. These commands were actually quite revolutionary to them. It reminds me of the words of Jesus in Matt 18:23-35 where Jesus describes a servant who is forgiven a huge debt by His master then turns around to demand payment from someone who owed him money.
We can certainly relate to this big issue of employment, sin, corruption and abuse in the economy of today. It may be more palatable and politically correct to say that we are employees with employment contracts than to say that we are slaves with masters. However, anyone who has worked in an environment where the workplace is full of sin and corruption knows that we might as well call ourselves slaves and masters. Here’s where a complete reading of the whole Bible becomes essential. In my mind one of the most appropriate passages that reveals what God intends for employment is found in Philemon. Paul speaks to Philemon about the changes necessary now because sin needs to be taken out of the employment arrangement of Philemon and Onesimus. Now they are brothers in Christ and things need to change. It’s a whole new and radical way of thinking. And the truth is that had masters and slaves treated each other the way God teaches, our world would not have experienced the huge tragedy of abuses known as slavery.
Stacey
======= Stef:
hi, you ask if the 10 commandments are important to me..i dont think anythings changed im still supposed to strive to keep the ten commandments just as the old testament people were but the huge difference is Jesus has paid the price already for the fact that i keep failing,my salvation doesnt depend anymore on my ability to keep them but on my acceptance of Jesus as my saviour for which how can i ever be thankful enough!thank you for all the comments on here by you all im learning so much..God bless,
Stef
======= Mary:
Somehow, I view the menservants and maidservants mentioned in the bible much like we have “butlers”, “maids”, “attendants”, and “nanny’s”. Maybe I am wrong but I don’t necessarily see all people who were working as servants as being slaves.
Mary
======== Laverne:
I must agree with Mary’ comment regarding the terms; men servant & maid servant. I have always viewed them as caregivers not so much as a slave. But then again as the commentary makes mention slave today was definitely different from 1st century slaves.
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Umm the Ten Commandments are important to me and how I live my life however I am more of a N.T disciple. Not to dimish anything from the O.T. and I am aware Jesus came to fulfill the Commandments, however I believe the greatest commandment of all is LOVE. If you obey that then you really won’t need to focus on the rest b/c loving will not allow you to murder, hate your neighbor and keep you faithful in marriage…etc
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I only read the Message version when I am reading a difficult passage of scripture, like Jeremiah, Isaiah or Revelation. I read the Message version, then the CEV then NIV or NKJV. I am glad we have so many version b/c the bible must reach so many different people where they are in their life.
Laverne
========= Beryl:
hope I’m not too late to comment on the ten commandments. To me, they are what our society is made of, the bedrock of our laws and mores. Not that we need to become jewish. Jesus has set us free from the letter of the law and has promised to write his laws on our hearts. {and does}. one cannot put new wine into old wineskins, one cannot put the new testament into the old. Jesus is our new High Priest after the order of Melchedek. there is wisdom in the ten commandments, the old testament is a teacher. blessings
Beryl
======= Pat:
Good morning!
The Scripture that really got to me this morning was Exodus 19: 23-24,
“Moses said to the LORD, “The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, because you yourself warned us, ‘Put limits around the mountain and set it apart as holy.’ ” The LORD replied, “Go down and bring Aaron up with you. But the priests and the people must not force their way through to come up to the LORD, or he will break out against them.”
In my 64 years I must have read this Scripture more than 100 times and it never registered until this morning that Moses was not alone on Mt. Sinai when God gave him the Ten Commandments! WOW! I always picture Moses alone clinging to the side of the mountain while God carved the commandments in stone, just like in the Ten Commandments movie. My concept was totally wrong – there were two of them together when God gave the commandments. Moses went up on that mountain alone but God sent him back to get Aaron and bring him up too so Moses would not go through this traumatic experience alone!
God does not intend for us to face any traumatic experience alone or even daily life alone. He doesn’t expect us to try changing the world alone, or spread the Word alone. Just think about how many times we have already seen this in our study of Matthew. When Christ called His first disciples, he called the two brothers James and John (Matt 4:21). Christ sent out disciples in pairs of two to spread the Good News (Matt. 10:1-4). He stated, “When two or more come together in my name there I am with them (Matt 18:19). That’s why Christ puts so much emphasis on family, friendships, and church!
I pray that all of you will have someone with you today to lift you up and have someone with you today that you can lift up!
God Bless!
Pat
======== Christa:
Good Morning Mike!
I just wanted to say thank you so much for putting the time and thought and prayer into our daily Bible readings. I am learning and growing so much and enjoying reading the Bible more than I EVER have before! We are only on month 2 and already this has been a life-changing experience for me! I can’t wait to wake up every morning and read our verses and your commentary! I am enjoying this journey so much…and just wanted to say thank you and how appreciative and grateful I am for you and for this time to dive into God’s word with brothers and sister! God bless exceedingly, abundantly, above ALL you could as or even imagine!!!
Christa
======= Mae:
Verses that stood out for me today:
Exodus 19:18 “All of Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a brick kiln, and the whole mountain shook violently”.
And of course The 10 Commandments!!!!
Matthew 23:23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.
Psalm 28:6 “Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy”.
Psalm 28:8 “The Lord gives his people strength. He is a safe fortress for his anointed king”.
Proverbs 7:2 “Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.
Proverbs 7:3 “Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart”.
Can’t stay too long today, we have guests over for dinner. Brothers and sisters from church. I did my readings this morning when I woke up.
I do have some amazing news: my cousine Lisa (14 years) went to the teen-ralley yesterday and she made her choice!!!! My little cousine is saved!!!!! We’re really close, she’s like the little sister I never had. I love her so much and I’m so happy she’s saved!!! Hallelujah!!! God is so good!!!
Wonderful day everyone!!!!
Bless you all!
Mae
======= Art:
I have been reading The Message along with the NIV version of the Bible. Sometimes various passages of the Bible become so familiar to us and are written in language that we are so familiar with that we so often forget to pause and consider the full impact of what we are reading. By reading The Message as well as other translations, I find myself often looking deeper into passages and finding insights that for years through many readings I have missed.
I do not favor The Message as a primary source of my daily reading, although it might be for others, but I do consider it an important book for my better understanding of Scripture.
Art
======= Gina:
About The Message Bible, I have it but only use it when I want to “read a story”. I don’t use it to study or meditate on God’s word…when I’m in the mood to just read, I enjoy the translation.
I absolutely think we can complicate the Gospel! I know that when I’m sharing, if it becomes difficult to explain, then it’s not from God and I need to stop. It really is very simple!
The verses in Matthew are great for a heart check. It’s easy to get caught up in the outside appearence of things – but what’s really happening in our hearts…that’s the real question.
Lifting my hands…I do it a lot in church during the worship time. I also do it at home in my alone time, but not often. It does change things for some reason. Maybe it’s that I’m more focused when I’m on my knees or have my hands lifted – I want to do it out of reverence though, not because I think I have to to get closer to God.
The 10 Commandments are very important to me. I am a student at the on-line School of Biblical Evangelism through Way of the Master and they teach that the way to share your faith with someone is to use the 10 Commandments. They are the mirror that leads a person to repentance. I never put much thought into them before I was saved, even though I had to memorize them in school, I didn’t think they were still applicable today – that was for “back then” – boy was I wrong!
Oh – and along with Mae’s exciting news….my friend Kellie called last night to share with me that “Jesus had asked her to take His hand and accept Him as Savior” and she said “YES”!!! Praise Jesus! Woo – Hoo!!
Gina
======= Jenny:
In the 10 commandments, the first 4 deal with our relationship with God, the rest deal with our relationship with man. They are for sure standards God wants us to live by, but not there because that’s God’s standard of righteous, we are none righteous, we all fail. but rather they are there to show us we are sinners, that we fall short. We know Jesus came and fulfilled the law. Honestly, I dont sit and meditate on the 10 Commandments. If I have Christ abide in me and me in Him, that is the life He wants me to have and He has imparted the Spirit to direct me and give discernment…I cant be ‘more righteous’, I can only have Christ’s righteousness imparted to me. I’m careful not to be too legalistic because i was a bit in the past and God had to show me that wasnt the way He wanted me. I found myself burdened and unhappy. I was too focused on my actions, ‘myself’. Then it becomes about me and my good works…thats religion n that’s against God. He wants my undivided heart focused on Him and if He has my heart and I love Him, I will obey Him…I have the Holy Spirit in me to direct me. His laws are written on my heart. The Commandments are good, but we must remember its not our outward actions, its our hearts God sees. Ultimately our hearts will be reflected in our actions.
I may not have physically murdered someone, but I have hated, which is murder in my heart in God’s eyes, but if I repent and turn, He will forgive. How on earth do ppl murder? Its cause they allow hate n sin to infest them inwardly for so long that eventually the inward sin manifests itself into a physical action. You often hear of ppl who have committed murder and the murderer’s friends, family, neighbors are shocked as can be…that’s not the person I knew! Its because we don’t know another’s heart. We can appear to be anything we want on the outside, but we can be totally different inward. Our hearts are wicked, we have to keep them in check, that’s why Jesus talks over and over about our hearts.
Golly, about the Message…I was looking through one cause I wanted to send a Bible to an unbelieving friend and honestly, my discernment told me to put it back. Like Bible Dude said it tends to go a bit far out and I wanna stick to what I know to be the Word, I want the actual translation, not a paraphrase. I’ve heard some criticism that it distorts things in the NT and omits/adds things. people want a more modern translation’? well, Jesus is the same today yesterday and forever and His word doesnt need to be adjusted. If we have questions, which we all do, we have study Bibles with notes and commentaries available, we have pastors who discuss the word, we have a lot of resources to help us if we have trouble understanding something. Most important, we have the Holy Spirit to reveal things to us, and apart from Him we are blind.
I love Matthew, ‘meek, mild’ Jesus was greatly angered by sin. As we are reading in the OT also, God is loving and compassionate, but sin and disobedience angers Him! God was seeing the Pharisees hearts…they looked good outwardly, but as He said, they are filthy inwardly. More on the heart issue.
Good thing this law isn’t in literal effect still: “Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.” We’d have no ppl left! Seriously. myself included, haha,I was awful!
Psalms is great as always.
Jenny
======= Bill:
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:
“ Since we’ve arrived at the Ten Commandments in our readings today, now is an appropriate time to ask – are the Ten Commandments important to you? Why? Have they always been important to you?…Do you think that we should meditate upon the Ten Commandments and our actions? …”
I have been aware of them ever since they were taught to me as child and since I have been a Christian they are even more so. I don’t think the Devil would be trying so hard to keep the Ten Commandments out of schools, courthouses and other government buildings if they were not important to God and were not important for us to know and keep them. We are saved by grace but grace does not make us exempt from God’s moral laws. They are important also because as part of the whole law they show us where we have sinned and make us aware that we are sinners in need of a Savior. None of us have kept the Ten Commandments perfectly and we have broken them in thought if not in deed. The Ten Commandments are important enough for me to me to display them on the wall in my home so that I am ever mindful of them. Our actions in relation to the Ten Commandments and all of God’s commandments says something about how much we love God.
“ For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”
– 1 John 5:3 ( KJV )
EXODUS 19:16-21:21
I believe that “ the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud “ ( 19:16 ) that “ sounded long and waxed louder and louder” ( 19:19 ) is the same “ trump of God “ ( 1 Thessalonians 4:16 ) that Christians, whether in the grave or yet alive, will hear when Christ comes again for His Church and the same one that the Apostle John heard and wrote of in the Book of Revelation: “ After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter “ – Revelation 4:1.
The Ten Commandments are simple and generally easy to understand but I would like to comment on a just a few of them:
1st Commandment -” thou shalt have no other gods before me “ ( 20:3 ): no promotion of religious pluralism or tolerance of false religions, no ecumenical dialogue or gatherings with adherents of other religions for the purpose of religious unity, no participation in the Parliament of The World’s Religions.
2nd Commandment – “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: …” ( 20:4-5 ): Idolatry was rampant in ancient times among the nations when God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses and the children of Israel. The Egyptians had worshipped many such idols as this as did the inhabitants of the land of Canaan. For example, the god of the Philistines was “ Dagon” ( Judges 16:23; 1 Samuel 5:2-7; 1 Chronicles 10:10 ), the fish god who was later called Neptune by the Romans. God was forewarning them against this but later Israel likewise fell into idolatry. Today that would also apply to those who worship at shrines and before statues even the ones that some view as figures in Christianity. Christianizing idolatry does not make it acceptable or right.
3rd Commandment – “ Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain “ ( 20:7 ): includes cursing, blasphemies and speaking of God in a flippant, careless, irreverent manner. A common one I see often today, especially on the Internet , is “ OMG “ which is an abbreviation for “ Oh my God! “ A lot of people do so not really thinking about what they are saying because these are common expressions that people use in everyday conversations.
6th Commandment – “ thou shalt not kill “ ( 20:13 ): You don’t have to go out and kill someone to break this commandment. According to Jesus if you are angry with someone without cause you have sinned ( Matthew 5:21-26 ).
7th Commandment- “ thou shalt not commit adultery “ ( 20:14 ): Again, even if you don’t actually do the deed but the thought is in your heart then ye have nonetheless sinned according to Jesus ( Matthew 5:27-28 ).
Concerning slavery, I don’t believe God approves of slavery as a concept. It was no doubt originally devised by wicked men who did not want to work with their hands but had the power to enslave other men to do their labor for them. However, it is clear from the Bible that God does judge nations by sending them into captivity into other lands because of their iniquities as was the case with Israel in Babylon and Rome. So slavery serves God’s purpose in punishing evil but He did not create it. Even so, God in His mercy has ordained laws for humane treatment of slaves and to prevent perpetual enslavement. Granted, in the history of man those laws have not always been obeyed.
Here the Bible prescribes the death penalty for murder ( 21:12,14 ), for kidnapping and human trafficking ( 21:16 ) and even for what most in our society would consider a much lesser offense which is cursing a parent ( 21:17 ).
Also in this passage are laws setting the precedent for alimony payments ( 21:10 ) and laws of restitution and liability for bodily harm resulting from physical assault and battery ( 21:18-19 ).
MATTHEW 23:13-39
Jesus had some very harsh words for the scribes and Pharisees. He said that they were keeping themselves and others out of the kingdom of heaven ( v.13 ). How so? I think it was because of their continual opposition to Jesus’ teachings and in doing so they no doubt influenced many of the common people not to believe in Jesus as well. He also accused them of robbing widows and their long public prayers to impress others ( v.14 ). Jesus also condemned their proselytizing ( v.15 ). Was it wrong in itself to proselytize other nations? No, because that is what Christians do as well when being obedient to the Great Commission ( 28:19-20 ). What did the Jewish religious leaders do wrong? They were teaching the traditions of men as the commandments of God ( 15:3-9 ). In the Church Jesus would say the same things to those who are preaching false gospels and teaching false doctrines. False gospels do not save anyone and only serve the cause of Satan in keeping others out of the kingdom of God. Jesus also took note of how they love theological debates ( v.24 ) for they debated with Him often. He said they looked good on the outside with their form of godliness but inwardly their hearts were corrupt ( vv.25-28 ). He called them “serpents “ and “vipers” which implied that they were under satanic influence ( v.33 ). Jesus also prophesied that they would be judged for persecuting His Church ( vv.26-39 ).
PSALM 28:1-9
“ do you periodically lift your hands in prayer? Do you kneel when you pray? Close your eyes? Bow your head? What do you do to really signify your worship and praise of God? Do you think lifting our hands or doing other body movements can change the way we pray to God – rather than doing nothing unique with our body?”
I generally pray on my knees and with my head bowed. However, I am also blessed by seeing other believers raising up their hands and lifting up their eyes to God and worshipping Him. Personally, I have never been moved to worship that way with the hands though I do look up to Heaven sometimes when I pray and worship. I have tried the hand movements but it didn’t feel natural to me. I guess I am just a little more reserved than some other Christians are or else I am just not used to that style of worship. I am more of a traditionalist.
PROVERBS 7:1-5
This passage ties in beautifully with the Ten Commandments. Remembering and taking heed to the 7th commandment: “ thou shalt not committ adultery “ ( Exodus 20:14 ) will cause men to be less vulnerable to being easily seduced by “the strange woman” ( v.5 ). Although the Ten Commandments were originally written on two tables of stone by God Himself we need them written on the tables our hearts ( v.3 ) so that they become second nature to us and so we will not forget them. This will instill the fear of God in our hearts and we won’t want to sin against Him.
“ Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. “
– 2 Corinthians 3:3 ( KJV )
Bill
======= Don:
I would disagree with the postings here, I do not strive to keep the 10 commandments, but rather “For me to live is Christ” Romans 7 identifies the believer dead to law, and alive to God. Now that does not mean that the 10 words or commandments are not demonstrated , or really exceeded in the Christian life. 9 of the 10 commandments are reiterated in the NT , the exclusion being the Sabbath, the Christian remembers the Lord on the “Lords’day”. We should do much more than “thou shalt not steal” but ” let him that stole steal no more, but rather let him work with his hands” grace compels us to higher ground than the law can call.
Don
======= Patricia:
Christ repeats nine of the ten commandments in his teaching. The only one not mentioned by him is to keep the sabbath. He was chastised for healing on the Sabbath and had an appropriate response.
Patricia
======== Anna:
Hi Mike,
Firs of all to thank for what you do. Just told God about this blog and how grateful I am. The bite size portions of scripture and especially the graphics does help as I am visual learner!
In response to the Ten Commandments, reading this blog reminds the importance of my devotion to God and to my love for my neighbour! Oh how we need these laws repeated in our homes, schools, church…because I think we have so forgotten and strayed for them. These has help me reflect on those things which are important.
Regarding posture in prayer, I agree with you that our body language does help us shut out distraction and focus our attention God
Anna
======= Elizabeth:
Hello Everyone,
Mike, regarding the Message translation, I agree that it sometimes makes huge leaps particularly in the NT–that’s the inherent drawback of that kind of translation. I enjoy the Message sometimes though and find it freshens up “crusty old” passages that I might otherwise mentally “check out” on if I’m not careful. I will be reading along sometimes in the Message sometimes and have moments of “Ohhhh….” For this reason alone, I think it’s a worthwhile translation, though I definitely view it as a supplement. I also find it sometimes gets too hip/hokey for my taste. I’ve noticed that I don’t enjoy the psalms in the Message–always prefer the King James there.
Regarding today’s reading, this morning I contemplated Jesus’ list of woes to the religious leaders–rich stuff to mull over. Jon Courson’s commentary asserts that the woes are the opposite of Christ’s earlier Beatitudes. I’m not sure if they all lines up THAT precisely, but his comments helped me to flesh out the meaning of this passage in a new way. For that reason, I’m including it below as “food for thought”:
**************************************************************************************************************
“Following His description of a true spiritual leader, Jesus did something I find intriguing. He ended His last sermon pronouncing eight woes. Bible students, think back. How did Jesus begin His public ministry? By pronouncing eight blessings in the form of the Beatitudes. Watch and see how the eight woes at the end of His preaching ministry correlate perfectly with the eight blessings given at the beginning of His ministry.
Mat 23:13
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.—Mat_5:3
Although the kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in spirit, the Pharisees were proud in spirit. “I thank You, God, that I am not as other men,” they prayed (see Luk_18:11). Their pride, Jesus said, would not only keep them from entering the kingdom, but would prevent others as well.
*****Mat 23:14
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.—Mat_5:4
Jesus promised that the mourners will be comforted. The Pharisees, however, manipulated those who mourned. You see, when a man died, the Pharisees would show up on his doorstep telling his widow that if she wanted to honor her husband’s memory, she would make a donation to their ministry. Watch out for that, precious people. In this day when there’s an abundance of fund-raising, be on guard against those who seek to manipulate rather than to comfort.
*****Mat 23:15
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.—Mat_5:5
The meek were to inherit the earth. The Pharisees, on the other hand, were trying to convert the earth to their legalistic, hypocritical, religious system. The tragedy is that when a legalist lays his trip on someone else, the convert or proselyte becomes more zealous than the teacher and the end result is damnation.
*****Mat 23:16-22
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.—Mat_5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness—for integrity, truth, and simplicity. The Pharisees weren’t hungering for righteousness. They were playing games with semantics and vocabulary.
In Jesus’ day, if one took an oath saying, “I swear by the temple,” he could be lying through his teeth, and that would be acceptable. It was only when he said “I swear by the gold in the temple,” that he was obligated to tell the truth. Thus, righteousness became a game.
*****Mat 23:23-24
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.—Mat_5:7
According to Leviticus 11, the largest unclean animal was a camel. The smallest was a gnat. Jesus said the Pharisees picked gnats out of their soup but missed the big camel swimming around. They had all the little details down—even tithing their spice seeds—but missed the big picture of love, faith, mercy and righteousness.
*****Mat 23:25-26
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.—Mat_5:8
The purity of the true believer enables him to see God. The hypocrisy of the Pharisee blinds him to the things of God.
*****Mat 23:27-28
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.—Mat_5:9
At the same time the Pharisees claimed to be men of peace, they were secretly plotting the murder of the Prince of Peace.
*****Mat 23:29-35
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness; sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.—Mat_5:10
Jesus said, “Blessed are the persecuted and woe to the persecutors.”
“If they had been alive in our day, we wouldn’t have killed the prophets,” boasted the Pharisees. But their claim was invalidated by the fact that at that very moment they sought to execute the One of whom the prophets spoke. From Abel to Zechariah—from A to Z—they killed the prophets.”
-Jon Courson’s Application Commentary
Elizabeth
======= Denise:
Mike,
Thank you for the time you spend putting this blog together. Reading it is very helpful and fun! I belong to a small group that is doing the study together and it has been a very rewarding experience! I love the format of this study, I just feel wrapped in Lord’s love every day!
When I pray I like to close my eyes and go to the place deep inside where Jesus meets me. I find that if I change my posture it only distracts me from my prayer time.
I am reading the NIV and hope to continue the study next year with a different translation, and I have thought about reading the Message.
Thank you again!
Denise
======== Arielle:
Mike
May GOD bless you for doing such a great job with the One year Bible blog. Through HIS word I definitely believe GOD will bless all the 9000 members (and more to come!) as we move forward knowing HIM more and more each day.
Regarding how I pray: As usual I used to close my eyes bow my head and fold my hands together before I started to pray. Till one day I had this experience while I was praying. A distinct voice saying “why do you look down and pray, your GOD is above not below”. I didn’t quite understand it first but felt led to listen to what I was hearing and as I continued praying I lifted my face towards the skies, my eyes tightly shut and my hands still clasped together. There was this serenity or peace and then joy that flowed right thru me instantly. I could feel my spirit instantly lifted. It was definitely a different experience that day and since then I pray closing my eyes, my hands clasped together or sometimes my hands lifted up, but definitely lifting my face towards the heavens.
I think it doesn’t matter how we pray, all that matters is our heart is completely connected with GOD when we talk to HIM. Connected means: we let go of who we are, open our heart and mind to receiving HIM and then our prayer becomes fulfilling and satisfying. We need to realize we are poor in spirit.
Christ says in :
Mathew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
“Poor in spirit” means to be humble. Humility is the realization that all your gifts and blessings come from the grace of God. To have poverty of spirit means to be completely empty and open to the Word of God. When we are an empty cup and devoid of pride, we are humble. Humility brings openness and an inner peace, allowing one to do the will of God.
Arielle
======= Tammy:
You asked the question in your blog if anyone is reading The Message version this year. I didn’t start out that way but I noticed that when I go to Bible Gateway it was giving me The Message version and I found that very interesting. I am now reading both the NIV and the Message on some of these scriptures and I did read the 10 commandments in the Message version and actually liked the way they were worded. I grew up on the KJV and still will open it up to read things the way I remember them. What I have found interesting over the past couple of days is reading Proverbs in the Message version. Talk about clarity!
I do believe the 10 commandments are ours still to follow and I believe in the NT that if we love the Lord, Our God with all our heart, mind and soul we want to keep all of His commands. That is definitely not easy and I fall short daily but I am trying. I was thinking last night before I went to sleep that I wonder how God views my life. Does He see me as moving forward in spiritual growth or am I taking one step forward and two steps back. I so wanna move forward and please Him.
As for prayer, how I pray depends on the circumstances surrounding me when I pray. When I am alone, alot of times it is on my knees, most of the time it is always head bowed unless a prayer crosses my mind while driving or performing an activity where I have to be alert. I do at times raise my hands but this is mostly in Praise. Sometimes I feel that this is done as a show and I am very careful especially in public to only lift my hands when I honestly feel that my spirit won’t let me keep them down. I don’t want to raise my hands because someone else is doing that. If they are raised it is because I feel His presence is near and I am reaching out to beckon Him closer to me.
I don’t comment every day but thank you so much for this blog. I am really enjoying it and I know it is making a difference in my life as I plant His word in my heart. I heard a preacher on the radio yesterday that was talking about prayer, reading the Bible, memorizing scripture and he said we have to read His Word, apply His word, and live His word. That even the devil can quote scripture but He doesn’t live it. So let me read it, learn it, and live it!!!
Tammy
======= Barb:
I have never commented before but wanted to share in the discussion about The Message. This is my third time through, I did One Year (NIV), then Chronological (New American Standard), and now am using The Message all the way through. I sometimes go to a parallel version for clarity, but I find The Message gives me insights I may not have seen before. I respect Peterson’s work and believe it to be a good rendition, though he does not call it a Bible. I think it is good to stretch our understanding and try to see many perspectives (always testing of course) I am really enjoying this year. Thanks Mike for all that you put into this, it is a great ministry and much appreciated.
I also feel that our posture in prayer can and should vary depending on the circumstances. I often silently pray for people around me without any indication that I am praying, but there are times when I am alone when I am moved to lying face down on the floor and many postures in between the two depending on circumstances. Of course the Bible makes it clear that our hearts must be right above all and we should not “put on a show” for the benefit of others.
Barb
======= Mitch:
Interesting Christian exercise:
If we set aside God’s civil and ceremonial commands for Israel in the Old Testament, and look at God’s moral commands (which are repeated in New Testament); we can conclude moral commands are for everyone – Jew and Gentile. Why? Because God’s moral commands are prescribed so humanity can flourish. Just do a pros and cons list for each command, and one sees that they are for our good (Always).
Regarding Slavery and people who say Bible condones slavery:
In ancient times there was no prison system. If at war, and you captured but did not kill your enemy, is it morally wrong to make them your servants? If you have money problems and are a Jew, is it morally wrong to accept servitude as payment for the debt.
Where God is radical in his instructions on slavery is – He instructs for the humane treatment of slaves and in debt bondage puts limitations on time served and allows for getting them started in a new life at end of servitude.
Why radical? Look at ancient history and see the treatment prescribed for slave’s in Hammurabi’s Code, in Egyptian culture, in all the “ites” in Canaan, and later in Assyrian Empire. See how inhumane they were to people in servitude. God never said – “ I approve of slavery”. What he said was in this social institution of the times – “this is how you are to treat servants – humanely.”
Mitch
======== Dee:
I like how you explained the different learning styles and about submission and the posture of each pose in prayer. Good stuff and wisdom Ramona.
Ex 19:16-21:21
The people were so scared of their first encounter with the true God Almighty.
God wanted to show the Israelites that He was a very real and present God.
He wanted the people to have an intimate personal relationship with Him, the people were too scared to some near. They never seen anything like it.
—I wonder if sometimes we pull away out of fear of getting too close or scared for fear of being burned or hurt to submit to an all knowing all Omnipotent God.. hmmm..
The ten commandments are next. These were such precious rules to live by so that we may live and not die. And I believe the ten commandments is our realization that we can’t do life alone-we need a Saviour -we need to be saved-we can’t keep the commandments without His grace, love, forgiveness.
Ch 21 regulations to live by, slavery , its sad that the spouse can’t be free when he leaves and you have to choose to be a slave for life to be with your wife unless u were married before the slavery took place with hebrews being slaves why they would have slaves themselves. Times were different but mindset is not much different than today’s mindset.
Matthew 23:13-39
Lord’s warning to Pharisees and Saducees and really to us-Don’t be like them!!
Ps 28; 1-9
Don’t be silent Lord-He helps me and gives me joy!
Proverbs 7:1-5
Obey Him and live!
Praise God!!
Dee
