Theology Thursday
Q. 44. What does the preface to the ten commandments teach us?
A. The preface to the ten commandments teaches us, that because God is the Lord, and our God, and Redeemer, therefore we are bound to keep all his commandments.
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Why do we listen to God? I mean it’s not a question we always ask. Why should we follow God’s commands? The Catechism uses the language of ‘bound’. By virtue of who He is and who we are, we are bound to keep His commands. How so?
Most political persuasions recognise the need and the good of ‘right order’. For instance, when you come onto Australian soil, it is good and right that you acknowledge the Australian government and live according to Australian law. You might say those who reside in Australia are bound to the law of Australia.
And I think we would say this is right and good. As citizens of Australia we would be disapproving of a person coming from a country that practised Sharia Law and attempted to continue to do so here.
At the heart of God’s commands is a recognition that He is the Lord God. He made the world and us. He is the King of this world. His are the rightful laws under which we live. Furthermore, He is our redeemer. He bought us out of slavery to sin and made us part of His family.
If we feel bound to follow the laws of Australia, then how much more should we feel bound to follow God’s law. Thankfully, He is not a tyrant who we hate to follow. His commands are good, loving and kind.
For Today:
Pray:
Passages: Exodus 20:1-2, Genesis 1, Matthew 22:18-22
A. The preface to the ten commandments teaches us, that because God is the Lord, and our God, and Redeemer, therefore we are bound to keep all his commandments.
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Why do we listen to God? I mean it’s not a question we always ask. Why should we follow God’s commands? The Catechism uses the language of ‘bound’. By virtue of who He is and who we are, we are bound to keep His commands. How so?
Most political persuasions recognise the need and the good of ‘right order’. For instance, when you come onto Australian soil, it is good and right that you acknowledge the Australian government and live according to Australian law. You might say those who reside in Australia are bound to the law of Australia.
And I think we would say this is right and good. As citizens of Australia we would be disapproving of a person coming from a country that practised Sharia Law and attempted to continue to do so here.
At the heart of God’s commands is a recognition that He is the Lord God. He made the world and us. He is the King of this world. His are the rightful laws under which we live. Furthermore, He is our redeemer. He bought us out of slavery to sin and made us part of His family.
If we feel bound to follow the laws of Australia, then how much more should we feel bound to follow God’s law. Thankfully, He is not a tyrant who we hate to follow. His commands are good, loving and kind.
For Today:
- Do you feel bound to follow God’s commands?
- Are there any of His commands you struggle with? Which one?
- How could you live as a faithful citizen of God’s kingdom today?
Pray:
- Praise the Father that He is good and His ways and commands are good.
- Give thanks for Jesus who lives out God’s commands perfectly.
- Give thanks for the Holy Spirit who helps us to follow God’s commands.
Passages: Exodus 20:1-2, Genesis 1, Matthew 22:18-22
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