God was trying to teach his developing community more about himself — who this powerful God was who had recently brought them out of Egypt with such stunning miracles. This motley crowd of people had been “ruled” by cantankerous taskmasters for several decades (at a minimum!) Now God set about actively teaching them how to live in a distinctly different manner — as the people of a holy and powerful God. God was to be truly first in their lives — so he sets forth some tips as to how they should build righteous relationships in this developing community. These were guidelines for how they should treat one another. We know today that these are also the basis of many of our laws throughout our country.
We will do well to review these carefully for the basic intent and attitude God’s people should have (especially with an eye to the Beatitudes and Jesus’ teachings). If Jesus is at the center of our worship, as set forth in the previous chapter (Ex. 20) then it will definitely affect our everyday life throughout the week. It will affect our living in our communities — our church communities and our neighbors on the next street or across town. Do these interactions point to Jesus as the focal point of our lives? Do we treat those who work beside us as children of God, as men and women whom God loves? Those we pass on the street, as well as those who live next door — are our interactions in line with our professed worship?
Lord Jesus, please help me today, at home or at work, to act in a manner that clearly reflects your own attitude and character.
Laura Putnam, Dowling Park, Fla.
