Finding Christ in the Old Testament - Exodus 20:1 - 24

Finding Christ in the Old Testament
Exodus 20:1–24

The LORD gives His holy Law to Israel, beginning with the Ten Commandments. His Law reveals His righteous will and shows the standard of holiness. Yet no man can fulfill this Law perfectly. In this, the Law serves as a mirror, exposing sin and pointing to the need for a Savior. Christ alone fulfills the Law in perfect obedience, bearing its curse for us on the Cross. At Sinai, God also commanded an altar of earth for sacrifice—a foreshadowing of Christ, the true and final sacrifice. Through Him, we are reconciled to God, not by the works of the Law, but by grace through faith. Thus, the Law, while good and holy, drives us to Christ, who alone is our righteousness.

Devotion
The Law is a gift that reveals God's will, our need, and Christ's perfect fulfillment. In Christ alone we are justified, sanctified, and called to new obedience.

New Testament Verse
Romans 3:20–22 (ESV)
"For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law... the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe."

Collect
O Lord our God, who thundered Your holy Law at Sinai and revealed our sin and weakness, grant us true repentance and faith in Your Son, who fulfilled all righteousness on our behalf; that, forgiven and renewed, we may live as Your holy people; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Hymn Verse
The Law is good; but since the fall
Its holiness condemns us all;
It dooms us for our sin to die
And has no power to justify.
— LSB 579:5, The Law of God Is Good and Wise

Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God, Now and Forever, Unto the Ages of Ages, AMEN!