In this week’s Torah portion the Ten Commandments are read. The first commandment is introduced with the words,

“I am the Lord your God Who brought you forth out of Egypt, from the house of slavery.” Exodus 20:2

In some ways the statement, “I am the Lord your God” sounds like an introduction, that is, the Lord is making Himself known to Israel. Did not the Children of Israel know Whom the Lord was before Mount Sinai? There is a significant difference between knowing that God exists and the type of relationship that Israel was being called to experience at Sinai. Why does the verse state, “I am the Lord your God”, instead of simply, “I am God”? The answer is that the sacred name of God appears in this sentence י–ה–ו–ה. This name relates to God in a way that transcends human experience. The name refers to knowing the Lord in a way that is solely dependent upon divine revelation. It is very important that the Exodus is mentioned in the second half of this verse. As I have stated many times previously, there is an inherent relationship between the Lord bringing the Children of Israel out of Egypt and Redemption.

The point here is that it is only by means of the experience of redemption that an individual can know God in a personal manner. The Lord had not stated before, “I am the Lord your God” until He had brought the Congregation of Israel out of Egypt and to Mount Sinai. The Lord had led the people to Mount Sinai in order that they should worship Him. Redemption is not the purpose, but rather an initial event that is foundational for the primary objective to be fulfilled which is worship. Israel did not worship in Egypt, as those in bondage are not free to worship. Worship demands certain things to be in place for it to be a reality for an individual. Bondage to sin renders one unable to worship as does being in a wrong environment. In short, because God wanted His people to worship Him, He moved in a manner that brought about changes in their lives so they were in the right location and in the right condition to worship Him.

Are there changes that must be made in your life so that you can truly worship Jesus? Your first response might be no; however remember that the Hebrews did not immediately cry out to the Lord to depart from Egypt. It was only after they began to suffer, that they asked the Lord to deliver them from their slavery. Do not wait until the troubles of sin in your life begin to afflict you before you examine your life.

Every synagogue in the world will read the Ten Commandments this Shabbat morning. May I suggest that you also read with special attention the Ten Commandments and then Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7). I am sure after prayerfully reflecting on these two passages that you and I will find the need for more changes in our lives than we initially thought.