The Commandments of the Lord 

   “Your hands made me and fashioned me; give me understanding to learn your commandments.” (Psalm 119: 73) 

   The Ten Commandments seem to be fairly simple on the surface, but there so much depth to them.  We need to prayerfully consider not just the words but the underlying intent if we are to better understand.

   Jesus taught that “You shall not kill” (Ex 20: 13) includes not only physical death but anger, and even calling another a fool.  (Matt 5: 21 – 22).  He explained that “You shall not commit adultery.” (Ex 20: 14) doesn’t require the physical act, but even one who has a lustful desire for another is guilty as well. (Matt 5: 32).   It's not just the act but even the desire to commit the act that convicts us.  

   The ways of God are mysterious and difficult to understand at times, yet our eternal life is dependent upon following those ways.  If we can’t understand how are we to obey?  Jesus gave us the answer when He said, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments”  (Matt 22: 37 - 40).

   If we seek the will of God and open ourselves to His word, He will lead us according to His ways.

 

Father, Your ways are mysterious.

We can’t always understand.

Fill us with Your Holy Spirit.

Give us wisdom, give us understanding.

 

Amen