Third Sunday in Lent: Old Testament, Exodus 20:1-17                         

Exodus 20:1-17   

Some things never change. What goes up must come down. Day and night cycles remain intact. And the Ten Commandments given by Yahweh to His prophet Moses are still the same as they ever were. They make the same demands. And they give absolutely no ability to accomplish them. No supply whatsoever. The “kicker” is those to whom they are addressed are so incredibly damaged by sin that they cannot fulfill God’s commands. And they were never intended to garner perfection, only demand it. Thus God’s wisdom in giving us His law that we would cry out to him for forgiveness, cleansing and power. Yes, power. 

The commands still live. And they should live in the heart of every disciple of Jesus, for “the word of the LORD endures forever.” And we hearken back to an ancient king who declared, “O LORD, how I love Your law.” But now the commandments serve to shine what living humanly is all about. And we can see that now. In fact to live out the commandments of God in perfection, as we shall do someday, is the mark of what it means to be completely human. Wonder of wonders. Only one has to date. His name is Jesus. He’s credited His perfection to us and created a family resemblance beyond compare. With Him, and through Him with us, the Father is pleased.