Contemplative Bible Reading

Exodus 20:1-2 (New Living Translation)

1 Then God gave the people all these instructions:

2 “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.

These verses are the preamble or introduction to the Ten Commandments. God has the attention of the people. Let’s get one thing straight before we begin.

“I am Jehovah (YHWH) the God that you worship. I rescued you from slavery in Egypt. Therefore…”

Oh, well, uh, I guess we should pay attention to what comes next. I mean, uh, that slavery thing was a big deal and not being in slavery sure feels good and, well, okay, what comes next? What came next were page after page of how to live in their time and place. The peoples around them read those instructions as well and proclaimed how wonderful the instructions were.

And now for the part where we write about today. “I am God. I sent my Son to you to take away all your sins and make you clean enough to be with me. Therefore…”

Then came a few thoughts of about living with an attitude that made life much easier, pleasant, enjoyable. We could be here and enjoy life with God and God’s creation. Think about God. Love and serve one another. Be faithful to God and one another. Such an attitude respects others and their property. Breathe more. Bless more. Why would anyone not follow this “Therefore…”

Please God, help me in my unbelief.