This chapter talks about the laws of Justice, the Sabbath laws and the feasts. The final passage talks about God’s promise of having an angel to prepare the way for the Israelites.

The first group of laws taught us to be kind to one another. Then the law of the Sabbath taught us to show kindness even to animals and slaves. Finally, the feasts taught us to celebrate in the Lord. No wonder Jesus said that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. God created laws not to restrict men but to help men enjoy our lives better in the Lord.

I have been resenting the idea of having big feasts in the past. For a long time, I thought Christianity only talked about self-sacrifice and suffering. Yet this part of the scriptures tells us to enjoy our lives in the Lord. Although it does not teach us to spend lavishly, it advocates joy and celebration. We also know that such a celebration cost a lot to many families. Yet they are necessary. While suffering and self-sacrifice are indeed the teachings of the Lord, the Bible, at the same time, wants us to have joy in the midst of it.

It seems to tell us always to remember what the Lord had done for us in the past, enjoy the present goodness and eagerly wait for the eternal blessing. We must have the full spectrum of lives to enjoy every moment properly. Our experience of the past builds our confidence for the future, which spells how we shall live now.

So let us never forget what God did for us and eagerly wait for His return while we welcome each day with gladness. May the joy of the Lord be with you always.