God's law--including the 10 commandments and numerous other practical laws--is given to reveal to us God's character, for our protection and care as His people and to develop healthy relationships between us.
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Revelation Of His Character
Its pretty easy to get bogged down in the reading of the portions of God's Word that provide minute details concerning various laws like this one: “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep." (Exodus 22:1) Or, to be distracted with the contextual distance of laws like this one: "You shall not permit a sorceress to live." (Exodus 22:18); Or even to struggle with understanding or agreeing with laws like this one: "If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying down under its burden, you shall refrain from leaving him with it; you shall rescue it with him." (Exodus 23:5).
The solution is not to skim over these sections as we read through the Bible, but ask yourself three questions:
What does this law tell me about God's character?
How is God caring for His people in this law?
How could I respond to others in light of this law?
Don't focus right away on whether this law applies to us in these days as followers of Jesus Christ, or on whether you find the law weird, impractical or difficult to accept. Simple recognize that all of God's Word is given to us for our instruction, not for our debate. Consider:
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Taking this truth, then start in the laws found in Exodus 22 and 23, with the questions.
What does this law tell me about God's character?
This is the first and most important question to ask because God's word is all about Him, and about revealing to us who He is. Genesis 1:1 starts the introduction of Him as the all-powerful creator, Revelation wraps us the revealed Word by unfolding God's love, grace, faithfulness, persistence and wrath against unrepentant sinners.
So look at Exodus 22. What do these laws tell us about God?
Verses 1-6 displays God's concern for justice. Verse 7-9 shows God's passion for defenseless people. Verse 10 reminds us that God is all-knowing, or omniscient. Verse 17 shows that God highly values and works through the family unit. Verses 18-29 show that God is the one who establishes right and wrong, not one who is subject to our determination of right and wrong. God hates lying (23:1), perversions of justice, and social oppression.(23:9).
His laws show that this infinite God cares deeply about the individual you, to the extent that He commands that we rest one day of every seven (23:13). He knows that your allegiance to false gods will bring only misery in the end, and He forbids such worship. And, in the end, the focus is on HIS GLORY (24:16).
I could go on and on about this. Suffice it to be said that God's Word is ultimately revealing God.
Let's be honest: If you have a problem with praising and honoring God, you're going to have a problem with His laws. The main purpose of the laws is to show us who He is, not concerned at whether you agree or not. Check your heart on this matter.
How is God caring for His people in this law?
While the highest purpose is His glory, His law is always for His people's good. Whether its the pursuit of social justice, or the abandonment of idolatry or sexual sin, or even unhealthy practices (22:31, 23:19), its impossible to miss that GOD CARES FOR HIS PEOPLE. If you have received Jesus Christ as your Savior (John 1:12-13), you are one of His people.
Psalm 19:7-11 lists the various benefits of God's Word in your and my life:
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
So as you read the laws, train your mind to see the benefits God is working for His people. Immaturity and bitterness persists if we focus on the "dos and donts" aspect.
How could I respond to others in light of this law?
Finally. consider as you read through the laws how you can learn how to treat others. Is God concerned with honesty (22:1-2)? Then speak the truth in love in all your speech.
Is God concerned with sexual immorality? (22:16-19), Then pursue purity in every word and action of your relationships with others.
Is God concerned with righteous authority and protection of those under authority? (22:7-9, 16-17), then stand up to your responsible position and lead well.
A sign of spiritual growth and maturity is the increasing ability to respect, and love God's law. Obeying every word of God's law does not save us, trusting in Jesus Christ as our Savior saves us, but God's word tells us a lot about God so we can praise Him, a lot about how He specifically cares for us, and how we can treat our brothers and sisters in an honorable way.
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