Today's Scripture:

Exodus 20:1-17 And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before[a] me. “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. “You shall not murder. “You shall not commit adultery. “You shall not steal. “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

Read: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
The Ten Commandments are the laws of how we are to live in a relationship with God and with one another. The first four show us how to love God, and the last six show us how to love our fellow man. But it’s really more than that. For if we do not follow these instructions, we are not following God, therefore we are sinning. We are separated from God.

Reflect: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
At Christmas time, I drink out of a coffee mug that has a somewhat scowling Santa on it. The cup reads, “You’re all naughty. Romans 3:10-12.” Each time I use that cup, I am reminded of what Christ did for me. His journey to the cross was for me. His journey to the cross was for you. Peter explains, “Christ suffered because of others’ sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all—was put to death and then made alive—to bring us to God. (1 Pet. 3:18 MSG) I would love it if on the other side of my Christmas mug there was a cross with the words in bold, “But, you have been redeemed. Ephesians 1:7-8a." We rejoice in this Good News, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.” Amen and Amen.

Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
The Ten Commandments are all about how we are to live in relationship with God and with others. Jesus summarizes the entire law into two key principles: love God with all your heart, soul, and mind – this is first and greatest commandment. And love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37-39) We are to love as Jesus loved. What does love look like? Augustin, in the 5th century, asked that question and answered this way, “Love has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has ears to hear the sighs of sorrows of men.” This is how to love, to respond to those around you in all the ways Jesus showed us.

About Denise Phelps:
I am blessed with three boys and three daughter-in-loves. The joy of my life includes three granddaughters and two grandsons. Being close to my parents, two sisters, brother, and their spouses also brings a lot of joy and fun into my life.
I have the privilege to serve at Grace for ten years, with the last two as the Assistant Pastor of Caring Ministry.