Read ECWA Daily Manna Daily Devotions

WEDNESDAY, 18 JANUARY 2023

TEXT: Exodus 20:18-26

18. When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear.

19. And they said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!”

20. “Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!”

21. As the people stood in the distance, Moses approached the dark cloud where God was.

22. And the Lord said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: You saw for yourselves that I spoke to you from heaven.”

23. Remember, you must not make any idols of silver or gold to rival me.

24. “Build for me an altar made of earth, and offer your sacrifices to me-your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats, and your cattle. Build my altar wherever I cause my name to be remembered, and I will come to you and bless you.”

25. If you use stones to build my altar, use only natural, uncut stones. Do not shape the stones with a tool, for that would make the altar unfit for holy use.

26. And do not approach my altar going up steps. If you do, someone might look up under your clothing and see your nakedness.

(New Living Translation Holy Bible)

TOPIC: STILL ON THE ROLE OF THE LAW IN OUR LIVES AS BELIEVERS IN CHRIST

The Law reveals God’s righteousness and demands righteousness, but it can’t give righteousness (Galatians 2:21). Only Jesus Christ can do that (2 Corinthians 5:21). The Law is a mirror that reflects your dirty areas but you don’t was your face in the mirror (James 1:22-25). Only the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse us from sin (1 John 1:7,9).

One important thing the dead sinner needs is life (Ephesians 2:1-3) but the Law can’t give life (Galatians 3:21). What then is the purpose of the Law? It’s God’s way of showing us our sins and stripping us of our self-righteousness so that we can cry out for the mercy and grace of God.

God gives His Holy Spirit to all who believe in His Son and the Spirit enables us to obey God’s will and therefore fulfill the righteousness of the Law (Romans 8:1-3).

QUESTION: Have you realized how dependent you are on the grace and mercy of God through Christ Jesus our Saviour and Lord?

PRAYER: Oh God, if not for Your grace and mercy through Christ Jesus our Lord, I would never have been saved and I would never have been able to perfectly obey Your Law.