Exodus 23

Exodus 23 continues with the case laws. The case laws were meant to establish the way of life that these former slaves were going to live once they get into the Promised Land. The first set of laws dealt with in this chapter have to do how Ancient Israel are going to deal with each other. Many of these laws are established in the Ten Commandments, but expanded upon here. The next set of laws deal with the Sabbath, even giving Sabbath rest to the Land. If you will notice, this rhythm of life had already been established by God at the creation of the world. God created the world in six days, and then rested on the seventh. That gives a good indication of how we could live our lives: six days of work, and then a day of rest. Notice the rest does not mean neglecting mercy. Rather the rest of the land is for the poor and stranger so that they could eat. The next group set out the festivals. Each of these festivals is for Israel to remember what God has done for them. Finally, God promises his guidance to the Promised Land through his angel. This of course came with a condition that Israel would soon break with the worship of the Golden Calf.

God has given us a rhythm to life, and a way to live life in peace with human beings and with God. The law originally was intended for Israel for them to show the world that they were the people of God. The law in and of itself is not bad, but a way to live, celebrate, and give to those who are in need. When it is taken to the extreme, like it was during the first century, that is when it gets dangerous.

"God help us to live with in your rhythm, to rest when we need rest, to work when we need to work, to give when we need to give, and to celebrate and remember what you have done for us. Amen."