Skip to main content

Exodus-23

Following the Ways of the Lord: A Devotional Study on Exodus 23​

Introduction​

Exodus 23 introduces us to God’s instructions for living as His chosen people. These laws serve as a substantial foundation for the Mosaic covenant, governing various aspects of daily living. As we delve into this chapter, let’s reflect on how these laws still reveal God's steadfast love and joy for His people today.

Section 1: Gentleness and Humility (Exodus 23:1)​

Devotional Thought: God begins by reminding us of our place before Him. We, as the heirs of Abraham, are called to walk gently and humbly before Him. This instruction emphasizes the significance of recognizing our position as God’s chosen people and our need to rely solely on His guidance and mercy.

Reflection Questions:

  • How can we walk gently and humbly before the Lord?
  • In what areas of your life do you struggle with pride or self-reliance?

Section 2: Sabbath Rest (Exodus 23:12)​

Devotional Thought: God instructs us to observe the Sabbath day wholly as a sign of our allegiance and gratitude to Him. This instruction highlights the importance of setting apart time for rest, reflection, and rejuvenation. Today, let’s examine if we prioritize and honor the Sabbath day as a reliable sign of our relationship with God.

Reflection Questions:

  • How can you ensure that the Sabbath day is a priority in your life?
  • In what ways can you intentionally rest and rejuvenate during the Sabbath day?

Section 3: Helping the Needy (Exodus 23:10-11)​

Devotional Thought: God requires us to provide assistance to the poor and needy, as it is a sign of our compassionate love for Him. This instruction emphasizes the significance of helping others in need, fulfilling God’s mandate for us. Today, let's reflect on ways we can practice compassionate love by helping the needy.

Reflection Questions:

  • Who are some people around you who need assistance in some form?
  • What practical ways can you help the needy in your community?

Section 4: True Justice (Exodus 23:1-9)​

Devotional Thought: God begins by emphasizing fair and just practices of treatment for both strangers and animals. This instruction highlights the importance of treating others within our community with fairness, equality, and justice. Today, let's reflect if our actions in our daily lives are consistent with God's instructions for treating others fairly and justly.

Reflection Questions:

  • How can you provide true justice and fairness to those around you?
  • Are there areas in your life where your actions might differ from God's instructions for treating others fairly and justly?

Section 5: Fear and Worship (Exodus 23:20-33)​

Devotional Thought: God closes the chapter by referencing the importance of fearing the Lord and worshiping Him. This instruction highlights the significance of recognizing and honoring God in everything we do and practice. Today, let's ponder if we honor and respect God in all aspects of our lives.

Reflection Questions:

  • How can you honor and respect God in all areas of your life?
  • Are there ways in which you neglect or fail to honor God's instructions?

Conclusion:​

As we close our devotional journey through Exodus 23, let’s deeply internalize God’s instructions for life. We are called to walk gently and humbly before Him, honor the Sabbath day, show compassionate love towards the needy, practice fairness and justice in our daily lives, and honor and respect God in all areas of our life. May we strive to follow these instructions and show our gratitude to our Lord, recognizing our position as God’s chosen people.