June 26, 2024
Recently, I was watching a college baseball game on television. It did not take long for me to notice something out of the ordinary. There was a green bag beside first base. At first I thought it may have been time to get my eyes checked, but it was indeed an extra bag.
As it turns out, the additional bag is for safety. The green addition is the same size as the white one, allowing the base runner to avoid a collision with the first baseman and continue to run without slowing down. I have mixed feelings about the add-on base, but my opinion on the situation is irrelevant. It does not matter what I think; the rule is in place.
Did you know the rules and commands God has for us are nonnegotiable? The conditions God has set in place may not be liked or understood by us, but they are there for our protection.
The only way to fully experience the measure of God’s blessings is to trust and obey. Sound familiar? Let’s dig in this week and see what the Scripture says.
The act of remembering the graciousness and faithfulness of God should trigger a genuine and meaningful response. Before God used Moses to present the Ten Commandments and other instructions, He told the people to remember the many times He had carried, provided for and blessed them. The same is true for us.
Recalling the times God has been good to us should result in a celebration of praise. The children of Israel were rescued people loved by a redeeming Father. The forthcoming Commandments were meant to protect God’s people and foster the relationship between people and God.
I have often said the biggest word in the Bible is “if.” Repeatedly in God’s Word, there are conditions indicated with an “if.” In Verse 5, God makes it clear that if the people choose to obey and keep His commands, He will bless them and they will be His people.
Obeying God is indicative of a trusting and submissive relationship. When we obey God, we are saying that His way is the best and our love for Him is active.
Moses did as he was instructed by the Lord and shared the message with the people. They all agreed heartily. Sadly, we know they would continue to be a disobedient and obstinate group of people. However, the Lord continued to love them and provide for their needs. Today we are also under a condition that God has put into place. No, we are not subject to the law anymore, but obedience is still a requirement to experience the blessings of God. (See Rom. 10:4). The obedience God requires today for salvation is to trust in Jesus Christ and His atonement. Only repentance can lead to the salvation we so desperately need.
On our own, we cannot meet the demands of righteousness. Christ becomes our righteousness when we place our faith in Him. What area in your life can you pinpoint as lacking full obedience to God? God is able to bless.
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This lesson was written by Bobby McKay, pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi, and originally published by The Baptist Paper. This study is based on the Bible Studies for Life curriculum from Lifeway Christian Resources.
