God’s Top Ten Love Lines
Posted on Sep 7, 2016 in From Pastor Gary |
The Ten Commandments – whenever we think of it our first thoughts are not ones of the demonstration of God’s love or an act of His mercy. More of us look at it as an impossible standard that we are required to live up to. That we are called upon to toe the line or else be crushed under the wrath of God who immediately lock us up or very quickly use the cattle prod to zap us and get us back in line. But nothing is further from the truth.
- Exodus 19:3 – 6 (NLT) 3Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The LORD called out to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the descendants of Jacob, the people of Israel: 4‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I brought you to myself and carried you on eagle’s wings. 5Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the nations of the earth; for all the earth belongs to me. 6And you will be to me a kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ Give this message to the Israelites.”
God says, Mo I want to give these people these commands, but before you do will you take them on a trip down memory lane?
Do you remember when you were trapped in Egypt with nowhere to go and under the rule of a tyrant?
Do you remember when you thought that all that was left to your life and for the future of your children was just trying to make it through the day.
When you were under the burden of slavery and you cried out your bitter tears did I not hear you and rescue you? Did I not work with a mighty hand to deliver you out of slavery and with great riches with it as well?
Do you remember when you stood at the shores of the Red Sea and it seemed that you could no longer advance and on top of that the army of Pharaoh were bearing down on your backs to destroy you and you thought that life was over? What happened?
I made a way for you where there seemed to be no way. Do you remember that loved ones?
Do you remember the last three months when you were thirsty and hungry and there was no water or food available? Do you remember the feelings of despair when your children cried out in hunger or because they were thirsty and you thought for sure this time you would die? What happened?
I gave you water from a stream in the desert my beloved child, I provided manna for you to eat.
I am the one that protects you and give you all that you need to gain the inheritance of a land flowing with milk and honey – I carry you on eagle’s wings. I love you.
Seen through the context of love we see the motive of God behind the ten commandments.
- He wants to demonstrate His intense love for us.
- He demonstrates what his grace is all about.
- He reminds us of His love for us in times past and tells us that He cares about our success in the future. That success is guaranteed if we will follow these commands.
Ready to take a look at this top ten list in a different light?