Follow the Lord Closely
Exodus 23:1-9
Following the Lord Closely: Lessons from Exodus 23
In our journey through life, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take. Should we go left or right? How do we make decisions that align with God’s will? These questions are not unique to our modern era – they echo the experiences of the Israelites as they navigated their newfound freedom after centuries of bondage in Egypt.
God’s will for us is to foster a thriving relationship with Him and to live in harmony with others. And in His goodness, He doesn’t leave us to figure out how to do this ourselves. Instead, He instructs us what to do to be successful. It starts with staying close to God.
Just as the Israelites needed divine guidance in their desert wanderings, we too must remain near to the Lord in our daily lives. This closeness isn’t about physical proximity but rather a spiritual attunement – a constant awareness of God’s presence and a willingness to seek His wisdom in all things.
One of the first lessons is the call to truthfulness. “You shall not circulate a false report,” the scripture declares. In a world where misinformation spreads like wildfire, this command rings truer than ever. God is telling us not to sin with our mouths but instead be honest and truthful. We’re reminded of James 1:19, which advises us to be “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” By cultivating a habit of honesty and thoughtful communication, we create an environment where trust can flourish.
Our next instruction is the warning against following the crowd to do evil. In a society that often equates popularity with righteousness, this command challenges us to think critically and stand firm in our convictions. The truth stands on its own. Whether you agree with it or not, whether I agree with it or not, it is still the truth. The truth doesn’t need our agreement. It stands on its own, inviting us to align ourselves with it regardless of what others may do or say.
It is important to be fair and compassionate, even towards those we might consider enemies. God instructs us to return a straying ox to its owner, even if that person is our adversary. This principal is not the “finder’s keepers” mentality that many of us grew up with. Finders are not keepers because God doesn’t want the losers to be weepers. If you find something, give it back. It’s not yours. Do everything you can to restore it to someone. God calls us to a higher standard of integrity and kindness, one that reflects His heart.
The Law of the Sabbath or God’s concept of rest – not just for humans, but for the land, animals, and even strangers in the community. This multifaceted approach to the Sabbath reminds us that rest is not merely a luxury but a divine principle woven into the fabric of creation. It’s a call to trust in God’s provision and to prioritize refreshment and renewal in all aspects of life. Rest is a gift from God.
One particularly intriguing instruction states, “None shall appear before me empty.” This command, given in the context of the feasts, carries a profound spiritual principle for us today. When we come to worship, whether in a formal gathering or our personal devotions, we shouldn’t come empty-handed or empty-hearted. Instead, we’re called to bring our offerings of praise, thanksgiving, and dedication to the Lord.
This idea challenges us to shift our perspective on worship. Rather than approaching it with a consumer mindset, asking, “What can I get out of this?” we’re invited to come with hearts ready to give – our attention, our voices, our very selves – to the Lord. True worship is not optional or based on our preferences but a vital expression of our relationship with God.
The passage concludes with what might seem an unusual command: “You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.” While this might seem odd to modern readers, it serves as a reminder that sometimes God’s instructions may not always make immediate sense to us. Yet, we’re called to trust and obey, recognizing that His ways are higher than ours.
As we reflect on these ancient words, we’re invited to examine our own hearts and practices. Are we following the crowd, or are we courageously standing for what’s right? Do we extend kindness even to those who oppose us? Are we making time for rest and renewal? Do we approach worship with hearts full of gratitude and offerings of praise?
In a world that often pushes us towards self-centeredness and instant gratification, Exodus 23 calls us back to a life centered on God and characterized by integrity, compassion, and faithful worship. It reminds us that true freedom is not found in doing whatever we want but in aligning our lives with God’s perfect will.
Let us keep our eyes fixed on Him, seeking His wisdom in every decision. May we be known for our truthfulness, our fairness, and our kindness – even to those who may not reciprocate. And may our worship be a joyful response to God’s goodness, bringing before Him hearts full of love and lives dedicated to His service.
