The 3rd, 8th, and 9th Commandments

The ten commandments are so important to each one of us in the times we are living in today. Those that can grasp this fact will also be in right standing before God. These commandments are reiterated in the book Leviticus, chapter 19. We already went over the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Commandments, which are in verses 1 through 4, in a previous devotional. As for verses 11 through 13, we will cover the 3rd, 8th, and 9th Commandments. The 3rd law 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.” (Exodus 20:7) The 8th law is, “thou shalt not steal.” (Exodus 20:15) Lastly, the 9th law is, “thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” (Exodus 20:16) In the court system on earth, lying and stealing will cause a person to serve some time in jail and possibly prison. When judges ask people in court to put their hand to the Bible and ask, “do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God”, this is very serious. Lying in court will cause a person to spend more time in jail.

Anybody that has gone before a judge in court knows that he or she means business. Even more so does God hold us accountable for all our lies, the times we stole things, and especially if we take His Name in vain. God has said that people who profane the name of God are not guiltless before Him. This is blaspheming His Name and therefore His wrath is upon such people lest they repent and get right with Him. Speaking of these three commandments in Leviticus, they read, “ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord. Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.” (Leviticus 19:11-13) It is now up to you to allow God’s commandments to sink deep into your heart. This means adhering to them like never before. God wants to lead you in His ways and He knows who is for Him and who is against Him. Are you one of those believers that hear His voice and follow Him? Amen.

Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that You will help us remember Your ten commandments. May we acknowledge them in our lives and keep them day in and day out. Too many people are taught that the ten commandments are not necessary, while only teaching on the two greatest commandments and them alone. Do these people not realize that with the two greatest commandments hang the ten commandments also? Surely, we cannot obey just obey the two commandments alone and disregard the ten commandments You gave us also. This would be a huge disgrace in Your sight and I am appalled to know of pastors who also teach against the ten commandments. Surely, too many people are stuck on being saved by faith alone, when faith is an action word, which means following You. For many years of my life, all I had was a belief in a religious system that could not save me. I thought I had it all together, but I was so far gone. Thankfully, You woke me up and put me on the right path that leads to heaven. Now I know that only You can save us, Jesus. Shine Your light, that all may come to know You. I love You. Amen.