Psalm 14

“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (v1). The psalmist knew that the source of “abominable deeds” and every kind of sin is what humans tell themselves in their hearts. Humanity has “turned aside” (v3) from God’s truth; “not even one” is completely righteous. Those who persist in denying God’s reality and rule end up “corrupt” and justify terrible things, like mistreating the poor (v6) and taking advantage of others (v4). But the psalmist had faith in God’s salvation (v7).

Salvation has “come out of Zion” (v7) for Jews and Gentiles alike (Romans 3:9-10). The Father saw the condition of our hearts and sent the Son to open the way to forgiveness and healing.

Exodus 21-23

“You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him ... You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child” (22:21-22). After the Ten Commandments, Moses gave the people situational examples to demonstrate how the commandments applied to their real-life concerns. Most of the laws taught people to take responsibility for their actions and accept reasonable consequences. However, in the case of sojourners (foreigners), widows, orphans, and the poor, God directed his people to prioritize mercy.

“You know the heart of a sojourner, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt” (23:9). Remembering how God showed us mercy when we least deserved it (but desperately needed it) changes how we treat those who are needy around us.

Exodus 19-20

“You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice ... you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples” (19:4- 6). Before giving the Law, God’s invitation to the Israelites was to a new relationship; he wanted them to be his “treasured possession”. The deliverance from slavery came first; the Law came afterward, to teach them to live as his people (ch 20).

“And you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (19:6). Through Christ, we are rescued from sin and given a new purpose: to live as God’s holy people, obeying the voice of One who saved us (I Peter 2:9).

Exodus 18

“Moses' father-in-law said to him, ‘What you are doing is not good’” (v17). Moses’ limitations were obvious in the battle against Amalek, when he needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his arms (ch 17). Yet, he was still overestimating his strength, serving as the only judge/counselor/spiritual advisor for thousands of people. Jethro told him bluntly that this was “too heavy” a task and it would wear him out (v18). Jethro directed him to delegate authority to trustworthy men who could lead others well.

“If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure ...” (v23). Our culture values self-reliance, but God uses our limitations to reveal our need for others. No task is “too heavy” when we are not alone.