In 2013, a train carrying 218 people derailed in Spain, killing 79 and injuring 66 more. Though the train’s engineer said he couldn’t explain why the accident occurred, video footage provided answers. The train was going as fast as 119 mph before it hit the deadly curve—more than twice the speed limit for that section of track. So it wasn’t just the speed that caused the accident. It was the combination of the speed and the location of the track. The boundary of the speed limit was created for the protection of the passengers, but the seasoned engineer ignored it, and it led to tragedy.
In a second recounting of the Ten Commandments (the original list appeared in Exodus 20:2-17), the Lord reminded Moses and the people of Israel of the importance and protective nature of covenant boundaries (Deuteronomy 5:1-21). Moses encouraged this new generation to regard the Law as their own covenant with God (Deuteronomy 5:3), and then he restated the commands (Deuteronomy 5:6-21). By repeating the Law and drawing lessons from the previous generation’s disobedience, Moses’ message stressed reverence for God, personal humility, and remembering covenant history—especially God’s faithfulness. God had laid down the track for His people so they wouldn’t wreck their lives or the lives of others. If they ignored His rules, they would do so at their own peril.
Through Jesus, we have become God’s people, and He has written His Word on our hearts. Let’s continue to make God’s Word our delight, our wisdom, and the guardrail for our lives. It can keep us on the track of obedience, prevent us from wrecking our lives, and keep us passionate in our devotion to God.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 27:1-10
More:
Read Psalm 1:1-6 and ponder the results of delighting in God’s Word.
Next:
When have God’s boundaries felt more strict than liberating to you? How do God’s boundaries show His love for you? How does your obedience to His boundaries show your love for Him?
Gary Shultz on September 23, 2014 at 6:28 am
Oh yeah, ignored boundaries. It’s not just that engineer who can create a train wreck; I do very well for myself too often by not paying attention to loving boundaries. I have to ask myself the question, why is this so difficult?
Tom Felten on September 23, 2014 at 9:04 am
Good thoughts, Marvin. I love what the psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:18: “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.”
Winn Collier on October 1, 2014 at 4:28 pm
I was just reading the 10 Commandments today and thinking how these very practical instructions are all answers to what it means to be a people who truly have no other Gods but God. Believing in God means a concrete way in the world. Thanks for the reminder.