ODJ: vindicated

September 23, 2014 

READ: Deuteronomy 5:1-21 

Moses called all the people of Israel together and said, “Listen carefully, Israel. Hear the decrees and regulations I am giving you today, so you may learn them and obey them!” (v.1).

In 2013 a train carrying 218 people derailed in Spain, killing 79 and injuring 66 more. Though the train’s engineer said he couldn’t explain why the accident occurred, video footage provided answers. The train was going as fast as 119 mph before it hit the deadly curve—more than twice the speed limit for that section of track. So it wasn’t just the speed that caused the accident. It was the combination of the speed and the location of the track. The boundary of the speed limit was created for the protection of the passengers, but the seasoned engineer ignored it and it led to tragedy. In a second recounting of the Ten Commandments (the original list appeared in Exodus 20:2-17), the Lord reminded Moses and the people of Israel of the importance and protective nature of covenant boundaries (Deuteronomy 5:1-21). Moses encouraged this new generation to regard the Law as their own covenant with God (5:3), and then he restated the commands (5:6-21). By repeating the Law and drawing lessons from the previous generation’s disobedience, Moses’ message stressed reverence for God, personal humility and remembering covenant history—especially God’s faithfulness. God had laid down the track for His people so they wouldn’t wreck their lives or the lives of others. If they ignored His rules, they would do so at their own peril. Through Jesus, we have become God’s people and He has written His Word on our hearts. Let’s continue to make God’s Word our delight, our wisdom and the guardrail for our lives. It can keep us on the track of obedience, prevent us from wrecking our lives and keep us passionate in our devotion to God. —Marvin Williams 365-day plan› Matthew 27:1-10