This Sunday morning, before I preached in the worship assembly (see last post), I led the college Bible class in the second session of our series on Deuteronomy. We looked at the text of Deuteronomy 5:1-6:3, the third biblical appearance of the Decalogue (Ten Commandments). At least three interesting aspects attract me to this passage.
First, in the three appearances of the Decalogue (Exodus 20, Exodus 34, and Deuteronomy 5), the identity and goodness of God prefaces the commandments. The Decalogue is more than a list of things to do and not to do, but those behaviors which are to be characteristic of God’s people are predicated on the nature of God.
I asked the students what ethical expectations we have of ourselves today, and they listed a few, including:
Don’t murder.
Don’t steal.
Help people in need.
These and other behavioral standards by which we live (or at least try to live or claim to live) are anchored in who God is. We commit ourselves to avoid murdering people because God is the source and sustainer of life. We commit ourselves to abstain from stealing because God created all things, and our belongings are not ours; we are stewards of God’s creation. We commit ourselves to helping people in need because God cares for the needy (including ourselves).
What the church teaches us to do or not to do MUST be based on who God is.
Second, of all the Ten Commandments, the one about the Sabbath receives the most attention. Compare the number of words used for that one and the number of words used for others; the difference is noticeable. Furthermore, note the people mentioned in the Sabbath command–the weak ones, the socially marginalized. Why? God’s people are to care for the marginalized because God cares for them. In fact (moving beyond this text), Jesus himself, the human incarnation of God, was a marginalized member of his society.
Third, according to the first three verses of chapter six, living by behavioral standards rooted in the identity of God is good for us. Even when we are tempted to think otherwise, God’s people know, deep down, that following God’s guidance is their best option.
May we be a living manifestation of God’s goodness, as we live accordingly. Blessed be his Name.
Usher: Hey Deak, this guy is a pastor preaching ethics?
Deacon: That’s not uncommon Usher
Usher: May not be uncommon to preach it, but I don’t know any that practice it – take the poor people’s tithe and you have nothing to stand on ethically!
Deacon, thank you for your comment. I appreciate your humor and your criticism. I recognize that many people have abused other people’s money in the names of apparently spiritual causes. I regret their actions and am constantly trying to avoid that trend in the congregation with whom I minister. So far, I have not seen that sort of abuse. People here freely choose how much money they put in the offering plate each Sunday, and our elders prayerfully and carefully use that money as faithfully and wisely as possible, and financial reports are available to members of the congregation.