The Third Sunday in Lent

Today we will reflect upon the third "Covenant of Promise" in the Lenten season, Moses and the 10 Commandments.  The reading is Exodus 20:1-17.  Unlike the first covenant, Noah and the rainbow, and the second covenant, a family for Abraham and Sarah, the covenant with Moses is a conditional one.  In order to set themselves apart as God's chosen people, the people of Israel are to do these things.  These include the 10 commandments, well known to many of us, as well as many other laws given to Moses which the people are to follow. 

We typically view laws as demanding things, not very grace filled.  They "keep us in line," telling us what not to do.  If we break a law, there's a punishment.  I must admit I've had a few speeding tickets, never a pleasant experience.  But laws do provide order and structure to society and our lives.  Without laws, life would be chaotic and unmanageable.  In that sense, laws can become "grace filled," allowing us to live in freedom and joy.

Martin Luther in the Small Catechism, gives a very simple explanation of each of the commandments.  In each explanation, he tells what the law says not to do, but also gives it a positive twist, what we should do.  So, for example, commandment #7, You shall not steal.  Luther writes, "We are to fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor's money or property, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his property and means of making a living." 

The 10 Commandments, given so long ago, still provide the foundation for living the life God wants us to live.  They are about loving God, and loving our neighbor.  Jesus gives the new command to his disciples at the Last Supper, "to love one another." (John 13:34)  If we do that, the 10 Commandments make perfect sense and continue to live on as a guide for our lives.