TUESDAY

Exodus 20:2, 8-11; Deuteronomy 5:6, 12-15

What is power for? As we have already noticed this week, in the Ancient Near Eastern world, the thing about the gods that got people’s attention the most was their perceived power.

Yet, what distinguished the God of the Israelites from the others was not only that God was more powerful, but also how God related to the power God had. The question was not just one of how much, but even more so what God’s power was used for.

Today’s Scripture passages make reference to two very powerful ways that God acted. Notice how they both begin with the same reminder: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”

In both of these pivotal passages, we see God being referenced primarily as someone who rescues and redeems, not punishes and destroys. Deuteronomy goes even further by telling us that one of the purposes of the Sabbath is to remember and celebrate God as our Redeemer.

The Exodus passage refers to another dimension of God’s power: God as our Creator. When we read them together, we see God’s power being used in ways that bring new life through creation, and freedom from the things that enslave us. Those are the lenses through which we are invited to view God’s use of power.

While there are places in Scripture that describe God acting in judgment against evil forces or people, it is never used in a coercive way. It’s always in the context of addressing injustice and correcting the abuses of power or privilege.

As you reflect today, consider:

• When you think about the ideas of judgment or end-time events, do you tend to think of power being used more in terms of rescuing or punishing? Why?

• How does one’s understanding of God’s power influence whether we will see the Second Coming more in terms of “we’re being rescued” or “we’re about to be judged”? Why does this matter?

• When you think about the way people have used the various kinds of power they have for your benefit, do you feel good or uneasy about that? What makes the difference?

• How do you tend to be influenced by those who exercise power over you? Are there other ways that people influence you that you are also responsive to? What is the difference for you?

• What do you think God most wants to be known for: power or character? What is God best known for in your own spiritual life? Why does it matter?

Take a few moments to share with God in prayer what is on your heart as you reflect on today’s passages.