Thoughts on Deuteronomy 10
““At that time the Lord said to me, ‘Cut for yourself two tablets of stone like the first, and come up to me on the mountain and make an ark of wood.”
Deuteronomy 10:1 ESV
Moses cut the tablets of stone where God would write the 10 commandments. He did this twice. He also made an ark of wood. Why did Moses have to do this? God could have easily sent lightning to cut out stones, or commanded the wood to break, bend and form an ark. Moses didn’t have to lift a finger.
It’s amazing that, imperfect as we are, God allows us to be part of His work. He doesn’t have to – it certainly would be less complicated without us constantly messing things up. And yet, throughout the Bible and throughout history, God has used imperfect people to do incredible things.
How should we respond when we are given this opportunity?
There is the danger of developing a false sense of importance (spiritual pride – that’s not good). Sometimes we complain or make excuses (“It’s too hard! Why me? Why can’t he do it?”). Or worse, we disobey and go the other way (Not gonna lie, I was surprised too when I found myself doing this).
The best response is Joy. If we are to do our work (=jobs) cheerfully as if to God not man, how much more joyful should we be when the work actually is for God? We should joyfully make the best darn stone tablet we can.
““And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?”
Deuteronomy 10:12-13 ESV
It’s not complicated, but it’s difficult to do, and to keep on doing. It’s for our good. Moses reminds us of God’s sovereignty over the heavens and the earth, of His great power. How He chose to love us. As Christians, we know that this love is great, as it came with a great price.
“You shall fear the Lord your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear. He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen.”
Deuteronomy 10:20-21 ESV
Joyfully make the best darn stone tablet we can.
