June 17, 2018 - Day 70 - Exodus 20
I am writing from my living room in Seattle, WA.
Exodus 20:
God reminds everyone who God is and then throws down the ten commandments.
1. No other gods.
2. No worshipping images of stuff. God says this a big no because God is a jealous god. This seems excruciatingly petty. Let's be honest.
To add, God says that if people hate "him," then children of 3rd and 4th generations will be punished. Okay. This is pathetic. I'm sorry, but IF LITERAL, this commandment is dumb. Do all the mental gymnastics you want to justify this, but I'm just not seeing it.
3. More megalomania: Don't misuse God's name or you'll get the shaft.
4. Don't work on the sabbath. NO ONE, not even animals, can work on the seventh day of the week. Anyone actually follow this?
5. Honor your father and mother so that you may live for a long time in the land given by God.
6. No murder.
7. No adultery.
8. No stealing.
9. No false testimonies against your neighbor.
10. No coveting your neighbor's stuff.
The thunder and lighting scared the people, but Moses reminds them not to be afraid. Moses says that God has come to test them so "the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”
Except that this doesn't work. I know many a church who continue this method of shame, and boy oh boy it fails miserably.
God tells Moses to tell the people not to make any gods of silver or gold. This seems to suggest that a "god" can be anything worshiped. God also asks for some burnt offerings and an altar. Oh and one last rule:
"And do not go up to my altar on steps, or your private parts may be exposed."
LOL
Okay some of this is really weird. But what do the commandments really mean? Here's my thoughts:
1. Not sure.
2. You won't find your value or worth in material things.
3. How often have people done crappy stuff in the name of God? Yeah. Too many.
4. We all need rest.
5. Be nice to your parents. Though this seems mostly about making sure you get some land, so be nice to whoever gives you land?
6. Probably don't kill people. But where is the line drawn? Capital punishment? Hmm?
7. Don't cheat on your significant other because its deceptive and cruel. If your relationship sucks, quit being a coward and be honest with your partner.
8. Buy your own stuff, man. Don't steal.
9. GOSSIP. It is toxic.
10. Instead of coveting, be happy for people who have something you want. Celebrate with them.
What's next for our Israelites after the commandments?
Exodus 20:
God reminds everyone who God is and then throws down the ten commandments.
1. No other gods.
2. No worshipping images of stuff. God says this a big no because God is a jealous god. This seems excruciatingly petty. Let's be honest.
To add, God says that if people hate "him," then children of 3rd and 4th generations will be punished. Okay. This is pathetic. I'm sorry, but IF LITERAL, this commandment is dumb. Do all the mental gymnastics you want to justify this, but I'm just not seeing it.
3. More megalomania: Don't misuse God's name or you'll get the shaft.
4. Don't work on the sabbath. NO ONE, not even animals, can work on the seventh day of the week. Anyone actually follow this?
5. Honor your father and mother so that you may live for a long time in the land given by God.
6. No murder.
7. No adultery.
8. No stealing.
9. No false testimonies against your neighbor.
10. No coveting your neighbor's stuff.
The thunder and lighting scared the people, but Moses reminds them not to be afraid. Moses says that God has come to test them so "the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”
Except that this doesn't work. I know many a church who continue this method of shame, and boy oh boy it fails miserably.
God tells Moses to tell the people not to make any gods of silver or gold. This seems to suggest that a "god" can be anything worshiped. God also asks for some burnt offerings and an altar. Oh and one last rule:
"And do not go up to my altar on steps, or your private parts may be exposed."
LOL
Okay some of this is really weird. But what do the commandments really mean? Here's my thoughts:
1. Not sure.
2. You won't find your value or worth in material things.
3. How often have people done crappy stuff in the name of God? Yeah. Too many.
4. We all need rest.
5. Be nice to your parents. Though this seems mostly about making sure you get some land, so be nice to whoever gives you land?
6. Probably don't kill people. But where is the line drawn? Capital punishment? Hmm?
7. Don't cheat on your significant other because its deceptive and cruel. If your relationship sucks, quit being a coward and be honest with your partner.
8. Buy your own stuff, man. Don't steal.
9. GOSSIP. It is toxic.
10. Instead of coveting, be happy for people who have something you want. Celebrate with them.
What's next for our Israelites after the commandments?
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