The Jesse Tree

First Monday of Advent: Moses and the Ten Commandments

A Reading from the Book of Exodus (20:1-24

“Then God spoke all of these words:

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall not have other gods besides me. …

“You shall not invoke the name of the LORD, your God, in vain. …

“Remember the sabbath day — keep it holy …

“Honor your father and your mother, that you may have a long life in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

“You shall not kill.

“You shall not commit adultery.

“You shall not steal.

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, his male or female slave, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

“Now as all the people witnessed the thunder and lighting, the blast of the shofar and the mountain smoking, they became afraid and trembled. So they took up a position farther away and said to Moses, ‘You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, or we shall die.’ Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid, for God has come only to test you and put the fear of him upon you so you do not sin.’ So the people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the dark cloud where God was.

“The LORD said to Moses: This is what you will say to the Israelites: You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven. You shall not make alongside of me gods of silver, nor shall you make for yourselves gods of gold. An altar of earth make for me, and sacrifice upon it your burnt offerings and communion sacrifices, your sheep and your oxen. In every place where I cause my name to be invoked I will come to you and bless. you.”

Lord, God of Moses, You gave to Your people, Israel, the commandments to follow, so that they would know what is Your will and distinguish between right and wrong. Even still, they disobeyed and turned to other gods. You brought Your justice upon them, but also Your mercy. Have mercy on us, as well. When we sin, inspire in us the desire to repent and the wisdom to embrace the grace of Your forgiveness, that we may be reconciled to You in the end and enter into Your Kingdom. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.

Be Christ for all. Bring Christ to all. See Christ in all.