The responsive reading for 21 May 2023 was from Exodus 20: 1-17; and John 14:6. Following is the commentary that accompanied the responsive reading.

So, why the ten commandments as a responsive reading for this morning? This is Old Testament law, but I have salvation through Jesus: right?

In Matthew 5 Jesus says:  “Don’t assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill.  For • I assure you: Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass from the law until all things are accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches people to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5: 17-19; HCSB)

Jesus spoke these words in the Sermon on the Mount, where he was teaching his followers, about being true disciples. As his disciples, Jesus expects us to follow God’s original commands, as he gives us the strength to do so.

Jesus wants us to live by these commands and teach others to do likewise. It is not on our own power we do this, but is the result of our letting the Holy Spirit have greater control over our lives. Personally, I know this is much easier said than done. However, we cannot even partially succeed unless we try. 

But, back to the importance of the ten commandments to Christians. In Matthew 28:19-20a, Jesus directs us to make disciples of all nations. He also tells us that we are to teach them to obey the commands that he has given to us.

We are called to be Christ’s witnesses to the world. How can we do that if we are no better than the rest of the world? This then is the reason Jesus calls us to continue to follow the law. It is not for our salvation, but the example we set by doing so may be the deciding factor that draws others to that same salvation.

Even though I have attended church much of my life, my witness and that of many other “Christians” in the church; has not been a shining success. I feel much of the decline of the Christian church stems from this poor witness. 

It is not for us to point accusatory fingers at others, while living lives that differ so little from the rest of society. We lead people to Christ by living within the law of God, not like the pharisees, but by our steadfast example, coupled with love. We do not accomplish any of this on our own, but only as God’s Holy Spirit directs us.

Of course we do not have to take sacrifices to the synagogue, and have priests offer them for us, nor abide by the laws of the pharisees. Jesus our high priest paid the price for our sins, and we now abide in his grace.

Daily, I ask for God’s Holy Spirit to lead me into faithful witness, and doing God’s will; but my own wants and desires sometimes get in the way. Sin gets between us and God, and can weaken our witness, but we are still forgiven. As Paul says, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7: 25 NRSV)

I thank God that there have been faithful witnesses in my life, that to this day I remember and take inspiration from. My prayer this week is that we are guided by God’s Holy Spirit as witnesses for Christ, and filled with his peace and love…

© 2023 David Posival, all rights reserved