The Ultimate Power

Exodus 19:16-21:21 Matthew 23:13-39 Psalm 28 Proverbs 7:1-5

For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God. - Exodus 20:5 TNIV

Jesus said in Matthew that all the Law and the Prophets were based on love for God and love for others. Now we find the Israelites camped at Mt. Sinai encountering God in a very real way. The fire and smoke were one thing, but then God Himself spoke, telling them the Ten Commandments.

Now these Israelites had been slaves in Egypt all their lives. They had almost forgotten God, but were quite familiar with the gods of Egypt. God had to get their attention. He had to show them that He wasn't just another statue, but a God of power and strength. Then He shows them something even more amazing--power under control.

Love is power under control. But the Israelites forgot what it meant to love like God does. So now, He tells them what love does not do. Love does not take from other to their detriment. Rather love looks to give before getting. It's the most amazing power in the universe. Now God describes Himself as a jealous God. More than anything He wants us to love Him in return. He has given us everything, even His own Son. Everything He does is motivated by love for His people, whether they claim Him or not.

Father God, help us to see how Your laws reveal Your love. Teach us to have the power under controlt that You have that enables us to look to give to others before we look to take for ourselves. We want the world to see that we are Your people when they see Your love acted out in our lives today. Amen.