Mt. Sinai

Listen to today’s reading:

Exodus 31:18

When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the covenant law, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.

Psalm 19:7

The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.

Matthew 5:17

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

Today’s Reading:

The original 20 rules of baseball called the “Knickerbocker Rules” were published by Alexander Cartwright on September 20, 1845. The Knickerbocker rules would soon become part of the rules of the National Association of Base Ball Players in 1857 which slowly evolved into what we know now are the modern-day rules of baseball. If you think about it, we enjoy the game because of its rules, right? The rules make the game. The Israelites had their own set of rules as they began their new chapter under the leadership of Moses and out of the hands of Egyptian slavery. Many people are familiar with the Ten Commandments written in Exodus 20, but the commandments didn’t actually stop at the number ten, but totaled to 613 things commanded by God to the Israelites. Unsurprisingly, it took a while for the people to become familiar with the set of rules (also called “The Law” in its totality) and the severity of breaking any of the commandments. Through time, the Israelites would start to adopt rules and traditions to “fill in the gaps” where circumstances were unclear. They also made more laws in order to steer clear of breaking God’s law, which really weighed a huge burden on the Israelite people. The new law led the Jewish people to a slavery all over again, a religious slavery. They were led by groups like the Pharisees and the Sadducees that put them in chains to men’s traditions and laws. Jesus strictly condemned these groups because they missed the intent of the law entirely. Like in baseball, good rules are written for the good of all playing the beautiful game we love, to preserve our freedom in the game and maximize our enjoyment in the game, not to steal our joy. However, unlike baseball, the rules that came from God are not only external “bat-and-ball” rules but much more internal in nature, into our desires. God’s laws are at conflict with the intent of the human heart. Through the law comes our knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20). Sadly, we crave sin. This is a result of our fall. Jesus was fully aware of the intent of the commandments presented to Moses on Mt. Siani. He lived and taught the perfect observance of it. Now, Jesus is calling a people, transformed through the intent of the law, where God will and is in the process of writing the law on hearts and changing our evil desires into holy desires for the good of all people. Our king came to earth and totally fulfilled the law, and now, he is inviting us into this spiritual, heart-giving alteration from hearts of hardened stone to hearts of pulsing flesh. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, “come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Obedience to him isn’t in chains, but is free – like soaring high on eagle’s wings (Isaiah 40:31). John 1:17 says, “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” Our king and teacher leads us through the intent of the law by the Holy Spirit today truthfully but also full of much grace. What a perfect combination!

Today’s Prayer Guide:

Praise – Praise God for giving us the law that reveals our heart.

Confession – Confess that you have evil intent apart from him and crave a different law at times.

Ask – Ask him to give you a new heart that loves doing his will.