The Book of the Law and the Bookends

/ revjblane

The Reason and Source of Sanctified Living

Scripture Focus: Exodus 20:20–23

“Satan would have us prove ourselves holy by the law,
which God gave to prove us sinners.”
—Andrew Jukes, 19th Century Theologian

When Moses stood before the people and declared, “Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, so that you will fear him and will not sin” (Exodus 20:20), it marked a pivotal moment in Israel’s spiritual journey. God had just given the Ten Commandments—an extraordinary revelation of His holy standard and the beginning of a detailed law that would shape the life of His people.

But as we peer into these verses, a beautiful structure emerges: two divine bookends that frame the purpose and power behind sanctified living. One explains the reason, the other points to the source.

📖 What Do We Do with the Law?

We might ask: What is the purpose of the law? Do we still follow it today?

The answer is yes—but not to earn salvation. The law teaches us how to live morally, but more importantly, it reveals our inability to do so perfectly. It is a mirror showing us our sin and our deep need for a Savior. As Paul wrote, “The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24).

🧭 Bookend #1 — The Reason: To Live a Sinless Life

(Exodus 20:20)

Moses reassures the people as they tremble before God’s glory. The sight of thunder, lightning, smoke, and the sound of the trumpet was terrifying—but it wasn’t meant to drive them away. It was a divine test, revealing three vital truths:

  1. The Nature of God – Holy, powerful, personal, and above all creation.
  2. The Expectation of God – A call to moral, sanctified living.
  3. The Weakness of Man – Our inability to meet these standards alone.

“Fear not… but fear.”

This paradox invites us into a proper reverence. Not the fear of judgment, but a holy awe that leads to obedience. As Psalm 4:4 reminds us, “Stand in awe, and sin not.”

The goal is not perfection in our strength, but transformation through God’s presence. Awe leads to holiness—a reverence that pulls us closer, not further away.

📜 The Book of the Law

God gave Moses the law to guide the people in righteous living. But it wasn’t just a list of do’s and don’ts—it was a divine tool to reveal their hearts. As one hymn beautifully puts it:

“Prone to wander, Lord I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love.”

The law makes that truth unmistakably clear. But it doesn’t leave us in despair. Instead, it points us forward—toward Jesus Christ. The law shows us our sin so that we would run to the only One who can save and sanctify.

🔥 Bookend #2 — The Source: The Angel of the Lord

(Exodus 23:20)

In Exodus 23, God introduces a mysterious figure: the Angel of the Lord—a guide, protector, and judge. This is no ordinary angel. According to Acts 7:38 and theologians throughout history, this is the pre-incarnate Christ, the Second Person of the Trinity appearing in Old Testament form.

“My name is in Him” (Ex. 23:21) — a divine stamp of identity.

He is the source of our sanctified life. Here’s what this Angel—Jesus—does for His people:

  • He Leads You – “I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way.”
  • He Judges Righteously – He does not overlook rebellion.
  • He Fights for You – Obedience brings victory and favor.
  • He Blesses Abundantly – Health, provision, fruitfulness, and peace.

Victory doesn’t come from striving, but from submission to the One who goes before us.

“If God is for us, who can be against us?”
(Romans 8:31)

📚 Bookend Your Life

So, how do we apply this?

1. Desire Set-Apart Living

A growing awareness of God’s presence fuels the desire to live holy. You were saved to good works, saved to glorify God.

2. Rest in the Savior

Victory comes not from willpower, but from submission. Listen to Him. Obey Him. Let Him lead.

✨ The Result: Promised Land Living

When your life is bookended by awe of God and dependence on Christ, the result is victorious, abundant living.

  • You’ll walk in freedom.
  • You’ll defeat spiritual enemies.
  • You’ll enjoy God’s blessings.
  • You’ll experience the life you were meant to live—a life set apart and full of His presence.

So, open the Book of the Law, not as a burden but as a guide. Stand between the bookends of His reason and His source—and step boldly into sanctified living.

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