Godward Thoughts

Under the old covenant, God’s law was written on tables of stone (Exodus 24:12), but under the new covenant, God writes His word on our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:1–3). As you meditate on the Word, the Spirit makes it a part of your inner being, and you become more like the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Holy Spirit enables us to fulfill the righteous demands of God’s law (Romans 8:1–4).

The first four commandments deal with our relationship with God, while the last six deal with our relationship with others. If we love God and obey Him, we will also love others and serve them (see Matthew 22:34–40).

Some people obey God because of fear (Exodus 20:18–21). Others obey only because they want His blessing. The highest motive for obedience is our love for the Lord. But what if we disobey the Lord? God made provision for Israel in the prescribed sacrifices (Exodus 20:22–26). He has made provision for believers today through the work of Christ (1 John 1:9–2:2). Believers are not under law but under grace. This is not an excuse for sin but an encouragement for loving obedience to His will. Having stated His basic law, God then told Moses how to apply it to specific situations so that everybody would receive equal justice.