Exodus 39; John 18; Proverbs 15; Philippians 2
Daily Catechism
QUESTION 59: WHICH IS THE THIRD COMMANDMENT?
Answer: The third commandment is, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”
Scripture: Exodus 20:7.
Exodus 39
The ESVSB gives a good illustration of the priestly garments. The representation of the priest for the nation cannot be missed in the stones of remembrance on the shoulders and the individual stones on the breastpiece.
Proverbs 15
“14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.” (Proverbs 15:14, ESV)
“25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow’s boundaries.” (Proverbs 15:25, ESV)
“29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.” (Proverbs 15:29, ESV)
“33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” (Proverbs 15:33, ESV)
John 18
“3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.”” (John 18:3–8, ESV)
This passage in John is very intriguing. They come to Jesus with the human perspective of "Nazareth" no doubt because they are knowing that the true Messiah comes from Bethlehem. By looking for Jesus of Nazareth they could be labeling him as a mere man...Jesus corrects this misunderstanding in the answer. The ESV footnote clarifies that the Greek phrase translated as "I am he" is the phrase "I am". Of course we recognize this as the way God identifies himself to Moses at the burning bush and when Jesus announces this the gang of armed men coming for Jesus fall to the ground. As they get back up he asks again, "Who are you looking for?". I take it that they are being instructed that they misunderstand who it is that they are actually seeking. The one they have come for cannot be taken by force with weapons but only willingly.
Philippians 2
“2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2, ESV)
“4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4, ESV)
“8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8, ESV)
“12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12–13, ESV)
“18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.” (Philippians 2:18, ESV)
Paul lays out and argument of joy for joy. He wants joy in seeing us rejoice with him. He wants the Philippians to humbly rely on God to do the saving work and the sanctification in them. He wants them to be in awe of the power that God wields in their lives to save them and to change their drives and motives and desires. He wants them to know not the pride of self accomplishment, but the amazement and joy and humility of seeing God's work.
Soli Deo Gloria!
