Deuteronomy 5:2-21
Verse 3 It was not with our ancestors that the Lord made this covenant, but with us, with all of us who are alive here today.
We continue with our look at the differences and similarities between Moses and Jesus. Today focusing on the covenants made with God’s people in the wilderness and with the followers of Christ at the Last Supper.
In our passage today, Moses is reminding the people of the covenant that was made between Him and His people. This covenant included the list of laws that we call the 10 Commandments. Too often this list gets a negative reputation because it is viewed as a lot of rules to try to be in right relationship with God. In fact, while the last 6 get some notice the first 4 are barely paid any heed. We can be so consumed with our own lives and desires that we try to ignore what being in a covenant with God requires of us.
Moses stood as the representative for the people and accepted the terms of the covenant and delivered the terms to the people reminding them that God had made this covenant with them. It wasn’t their ancestor’s covenant – that was still in place and the reason that they had left Egypt for the Promised Land – this was the covenant that was to be theirs in the new land. A covenant that would help them stand firm as God’s people would benefit them as they would be living in God’s favor. That favor wasn’t about getting all that they wanted but rather about bringing Him all the glory.
Generations later Jesus came to fulfill the law from the first covenant and set up a new covenant. A covenant that sets us up to be part of the Kingdom of God. During His final supper with His dear friends, Jesus made the covenant. He didn’t just make it with them, but with us also. We are to have communion regularly so that we can remember His new covenant. He came to make the new covenant with His very own blood. This covenant wasn’t about obeying a list of rules to win God’s favor, it was totally about His love for those God had chosen. His chosen people were not just from the bloodline of the people in the wilderness, no, this bloodline are those in the fountain of His blood.
Making It Personal
What do the 10 Commandments mean to you? Do you obey them out of obligation or love of Christ? What goes through your mind during communion?
Making It Personal Kids
How do the 10 Commandments help you know Jesus’ better? What is the difference between obeying because you have to and obeying because you love Him? How much does Jesus love you?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for the law that guides us and Christ who frees us from the burden of it. Please help us understand the truth about the cost of the cross. May we seek You every moment of the day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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