Day 34 - Exodus 31-33 & Matthew 22:23-46
So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf. And they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” (Exodus 32:3-4 ESV)
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39 ESV)
There are plenty of dos and don’ts in life. Most have to do with making wise and safe decisions such as all things in moderation and don’t drink and drive.
In today’s readings we see the ultimate dos and don’ts. In good theological order, we start with the don’ts in our Genesis reading.
DON’T practice blasphemy by denying the one true God. In other words, don’t make a golden calf out of anything or anyone you or others may think would make a better god than God!
DO keep the true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit first in your life. This is a key to a blessed life, both here on earth and then eternally in heaven. The key is simply this: God first - others second - you last.
If thou but suffer God to guide thee,
And hope in Him through all thy ways,
He’ll give thee strength whate’er betide thee,
And bear thee through the evil days.
Who trusts in God’s unchanging love
Builds on the rock that nought can move.
(If Thou but Suffer God to Guide Thee,
The Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #750, stanza 1)
Heavenly Father, thank You for granting me the gift of saving faith. Please keep me faithful to you no matter what or who may tempt me to deny you. Graciously lead me to keep you first, others second, and me last. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
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