“Then God gave the people all these instructions: “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. “You must not have any other god but me. “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you. “You must not murder. “You must not commit adultery. “You must not steal. “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor. “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.” When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear. And they said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!” “Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!” As the people stood in the distance, Moses approached the dark cloud where God was.”
Exodus 20:1-21 NLT
Keeping on with the concept of proper attachment. God directly steps into a delivery of what would be called the Ten Commandments. These laws would not be the only laws that Israel would know, but they would be the foundational laws. They comprise the basic parameters for how image bearers of God may live peaceably with him and flourish. These laws were large enough in scope that Grace and common sense, plus intervention from Moses and his appointed counsel, could make up the difference for anything unstated in them. Their impact on the world has been indelible. Their simplicity has been the basis for countless cultures and their impact has led to them being profound places of equality, and even equity across gaps of distinction. Jesus speaks comments upon their construction when asked which is the most important one. He notes that they are really only one idea played out in two parts. This is to glorify God by loving him wholeheartedly and loving your neighbor tender heartedly. In terms of attachment, this is far more adult rendering than the Ten Commandments. That rendering is definitely for the novice in the relationship who cannot personally decipher what living a neighbor or God would look like. Because of this, the conciseness of the Ten Commandments is quite the blessing.
Ten Commandments’ Significance: Foundational laws for peaceful coexistence with God and flourishing, impacting countless cultures and promoting equality.
Ten Commandments’ Nature: Concise guidelines for novice followers, providing a framework for understanding and applying principles of loving God and neighbor.
Jesus’ Interpretation: The Ten Commandments, while foundational, are a simplified version of the ultimate commandment to love God and neighbor, representing a more mature understanding of attachment.
JOSH McGARY.COM 