Day 97..."Ten Commandments...Keeping Them When Tempted"

Israel is about to proceed into the promised land. They hear again the teaching of the 10 Commandments. I noticed the two accounts of the 10 Commandments, as bookends of the exodus. The first time coming early following their time of captivity in Egypt. The second time coming 40 years later in preparation of entering the promised land. The keeping of the commandments is the hope of a fulfilled and lengthy time in the promised land. If we speak of the promised land as a metaphor, this is true today. When we honor the commandments, we can expect a life of purpose, order, and fulfillment of God's Will. Moses teaches the 10 Commandments and Jesus lives them when tempted by Satan in the wilderness. Faithfulness requires following God even when weak and tempted. Jesus' beginning His ministry in the desert is a good model for us today. We need not get discouraged when difficulty comes...there is a way through the wilderness...and we do come out stronger! The Psalmist describes the splendor of God..."The heavens proclaim his righteousness,and all the peoples see his glory."