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By Mike Caton

Exodus 20:1-2, “And God spoke all these words: ‘I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.’”

What God is about to say to the people is of the utmost importance. The Ten Commandments have been held as the standard for the behavior of “good” people for thousands of years. People who really make no claims to either Judaism or profess to be Christians, still look to these as the gold standard. For many years these were posted on courtrooms all across our country. And we can see that many of the basic laws of this nation are based on them.

God begins with the reason he is giving them these laws and the basis he has for giving them to the people. It is very easy for people to rattle off orders, to give rules and regulations. But the question has to be asked, by what authority are you telling me these things? What reason do I have to obey you? And God answers that right here in this verse: I am the Lord your God. And quite honestly, that ought to be enough. God is the creator and sustainer of the universe, nothing exists that he did not bring into existence. That ought to settle the matter. But God goes on and reminds the people he is the one who brought them out of Egypt and their slavery. They have seen the miracles that God performed in bringing this about. That ought to convince them as well of God’s love and care for them. And that ought to cause them to want to please God, not out of a sense of fear but out of a sense of gratitude.

And what about these commands for us today? God is still the creator and sustainer of the universe. And God has rescued us from a far worse slavery than the Egyptians, God has rescued us from the power of Satan, from our sin, and the eternal death that we deserve. And so, we ought to want to live a life that is pleasing to God. Not to earn his favor, but to show our appreciation for what he has done.

Father, help me live each day in appreciation of you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works as a full time AEMT with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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