“You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13).As the children of our God and King, we strive to live up to our royal pedigree. Are we sinful and broken? Absolutely. But with God’s help we try to grow in Christlikeness and reflect the one in whose image we are made.One of the ways we do this is … Continue reading Reflecting God or playing God?
10 commandments
The Babushki
Author Philip Yancey tells of a life-changing experience he had while visiting Russia in 1991—a country then in a free-fall. Much has changed in Russia since that time, but Yancey comments on how there was a lack of trust in the air, a sense of forebodance about pretty much everything. Grown adults walked around with their … Continue reading The Babushki
Older men like fathers, women like mothers
It is sometimes emphasized that the command to honour your father and mother isn’t just about biology.Since Jesus’ followers thought of themselves as family and called one another “brothers and sisters,” they also tried to honour older men and women as fathers and mothers, especially those who didn’t have someone younger to help them.One of … Continue reading Older men like fathers, women like mothers
Chronological snobbery
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12).In today’s society many people think that old equals bad and new equals good. We have a tendency to dismiss older ideas and even people—simply because they are older.We have a tendency … Continue reading Chronological snobbery
Botching the job
There was a famous da Vinci painting, Salvador Mundi. It was a depiction of Jesus.There was a time when it needed to be restored. So a professional was contacted. She was very careful and knew what she was doing. The restoration was a success. There’s a longer, fascinating story about all of this, but I’m … Continue reading Botching the job
Sundays in arrears
God wants good things for us. One of the evidences of his love is the fourth commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8).It’s a matter of health and well-being—not just spiritually, but physically and mentally.For a lot of people, dedicating time to find rest is difficult. I understand that. I’m one … Continue reading Sundays in arrears
Your example to the 99
I’ve heard an expression a few different times. Perhaps you have too. Here it is: “Out of one hundred people, one will read the Bible, and ninety-nine will read the person reading the Bible.”It’s a way of saying that the lifestyle of a Christian is on display for everyone to see. That’s how others will … Continue reading Your example to the 99
The hypocritical use of God’s name
When it comes to the Bible, there is often more going on than what first meets the eye. This is certainly true with the third commandment: “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain…” (Exodus 20:7, ESV)Another much-neglected dimension of this commandment is what we could call ‘hypocritical use.’ In … Continue reading The hypocritical use of God’s name
Bearing the Name
Let’s take a quick look at a much-neglected aspect of the third commandment which says: “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain…” (Exodus 20:7, ESV)It has to do with the word “take.” In Hebrew it’s the word “nasa’.” It means to take, to bear, or to carry.It’s telling that … Continue reading Bearing the Name
Taking God’s name in vain
“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain” (Exodus 20:7, ESV).Let’s be honest. Attitudes have radically changed about how we use God’s name.Up until recently it was actually illegal in England to misuse God’s name. Today … Continue reading Taking God’s name in vain
