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December 13, 2011

“Then he [Moses] took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, ‘We will do everything the LORD has said; we will obey.’" — Exodus 24:7

At one time or another, we probably have been the recipient — or creator — of the “honey-do” list. You know what I’m talking about — that list of chores that a loved one (no names need be mentioned) has drawn up for you to get done over the next week.

And if you have ever been the recipient of said list, you also know the proper response: “Sure, honey, I’ll do it — as soon as I can.”

As the people of Israel stood at foot of Mount Sinai, they were the recipients of God’s to-do — and not to-do — list. And as Moses read to the people all the teachings and regulations that the Lord had given to them, their response is recorded: “We will do everything the LORD has said; we will obey."
Isn’t that a beautiful response? All the people, unified in purpose and their desire to respond as God’s chosen people, agreed to everything God had told them to do. In fact, the Jewish people’s response to God’s covenantal love and His imparted will is by performing an act of mitzvah, or obeying His commands. Our very acceptance of God’s lordship over our lives requires and involves our adherence to God’s commands.

The mitzvot (plural form of mitzvah, or commandments) are the vehicles through which the Jewish people are transformed into a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. This is how we as a people can obey the command from God to be holy because He is holy. Daily, we pray, “For they [the mitzvot] are our lives and the length of our days and upon them we will meditate day and night.”

Rather than seeing the law as burdensome and punitive, given to us by a God who doesn’t want us to have any fun, we see His rules and regulations as the outpouring and expression of His love and concern for us. To such love, there is only one response — obedience.

And isn’t that true for Christians as well? As Jesus told his followers, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15).

Our obedience to God, for Christians and Jews alike, is what makes us distinct and different people. How are you making that evident in your life today?

With prayers for shalom, peace,


Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein
President

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