January 8, 2011 (Exodus 18-24)

Today's reading gave me insights into the troubles in our judicial system today. We are not following God's plan according to His word:

^18:21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes.

I wonder how many judges in our land 'fear God'. I also wonder how many 'hate bribes'. I'm sure there are some, but considering the nature of our country I would imagine they are in the minority. I know that's judgemental and that I really shouldn't judge.

Now, God has a message for His people. Here is what He told Moses to tell them:

^19:4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. ⁵ Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. ⁶ And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”

I think that message still applies today. And when the people heard what God had said, they responded:

^19:8 “We will do everything the Lord has commanded.” So Moses brought the people’s answer back to the Lord.

I thought it was interesting what happened next. God wanted the people to have confidence in their leader, so He said:

^19:9 “I will come to you in a thick cloud, Moses, so the people themselves can hear me when I speak with you. Then they will always trust you.”

He told Moses to prepare the people for His arrival. They were to purify themselves and He would appear on the third day. He descended over Mt. Sinai in the form of fire. Smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a furnace and the whole mountain shook with a violent earthquake. The people stood at a distance, trembling with fear. They told Moses to tell them what God said, because they were afraid they would die if He spoke directly to them. That tells me what an awesome sight that must have been. Moses replied with words that are very insightful:

^20:20 “Don’t be afraid for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!”

God's instructions to the people, the Ten Commandments, are in chapter 20:

³ “You must not have any other god but me.
⁴ “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. ⁵ You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. 
⁷ “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.
⁸ “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. ⁹ You have six days each week for your ordinary work, ¹⁰ but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. 
 ¹² “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
 ¹³ “You must not murder.
 ¹⁴ “You must not commit adultery.
 ¹⁵ “You must not steal.
 ¹⁶ “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.
 ¹⁷ “You must not covet your neighbor’s house, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”

The following three chapters were God's principles and rules in greater detail. Pretty harsh stuff, such as "Kidnappers must be killed', and "Anyone who curses father or mother must be put to death". If those rules still applied, I think there would be a difference in people's actions knowing they would be killed if they did that stuff. Like I said, pretty harsh. But I think God was trying to get our attention to show us how He looks at sin and at how offensive it is to a Holy God. Which again is why we need Jesus.

God told them He would drive out all the people into whose land He would bring them. He also gave these words of warning:

^23:32 “Make no treaties with them or their gods. ³³ They must not live in your land, or they will cause you to sin against me. If you serve their gods, you will be caught in the trap of idolatry.”

I know all this is "Old Testament", but the truths God was imparting still apply today. And much of this is 'backed up' in the New Testament. I feel like I'm caught up in the trap of idolatry. I feel like I've 'made treaties' with the gods of this land. All I can do is continue to read and study God's word and ask Him to continue to reveal those areas to me and give me the grace to change.