February 12, 2023 - Deuteronomy 5-6

“And Moses summoned all Israel and said to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the rules that I speak in your hearing today, and you shall learn them and be careful to do them’” (5:1). Moses began with the Ten Commandments, instructions that are good for all times and in all situations. The people were to live righteously according to them. In short paraphrase:

1. Not other gods before Me

2. No idols

3. Do not take the name of God in vain

4. Keep the Sabbath

5. Honor father and mother

6. Do not murder

7. Do not commit adultery

8. Do not steal

9. Do not bear false witness against a neighbor

10. Do not covet

Think about Moses’ words to Israel: “Hear, O Israel” (5:1) – “You shall remember” (5:15) – “Now, this is the commandment” (6:1) – “Hear, therefore, O Israel” (6:3) – “Hear, O Israel” (6:4). Over and over, Moses repeated the words of God to Israel. Like us, how easily did they let God’s instructions slip from their minds, and how often they needed reminding! If a people is to love God supremely and live for him, they must find themselves often in his Word being reminded as to how they are to life. Otherwise, worldly cares and worldly ways creep in, and the people who profess to know God do not so much resemble him but the world. Hear . . . remember . . . Indeed!

Fight the good fight with all your might,

Christ is your strength and Christ your right.

Lay hold on life, and it shall be

your joy and crown eternally.

Run the straight race through God's good grace;

lift up your eyes, and seek his face.

Life with its way before us lies;

Christ is the path and Christ the prize. --John S. B. Monsell (1863)