Love Carved in Stone: A Fresh Look at the Ten Commandments

by Eugenia Anne Gamble

Begins Tuesday, Sept. 3, 1:30 p.m., McDonald Conference Room

Moses holds the stone tablets given to him by God during 40 days on Mt. Sinai. The tablets contain the Ten Words that are an expression of God’s love for God’s people, Words that will define how they are to live in community as the People of God.

Moses realizes again that he has been on a mission from God since he was hidden by his mother to save his life; rescued by Pharaoh’s daughter; exiled in the Sinai after killing an Egyptian; and then called back to Egypt by the God called Yahweh, “I AM”, who spoke to him from a burning bush.

The picture shows the sun’s rays shining on the pyramids of Egypt, and the memory of the burning bush, all symbols of God’s presence and special call. Moses remembers carrying God’s message to Pharaoh, “Let my people go.” Then there was the crossing of the desert, the parting of the seas, as the Israelites crossed safely while Pharaoh’s army drowned.

Moses’ face reflects awareness, worry, love, concern, disappointment, and fear. After 40 days on the mountain with Yahweh, he returns to find the people worshiping a mute and metal god.

We create idols of our own out of impatience, and need to again cherish God’s gifts to us, God’s people. The tablets are light enough to carry to and with the people. They are meant to be taken on the road.

This is a deeply personal study as we experience God’s deep love for us. Each lesson reflects a unique experience of God’s love and wisdom and is a basis for developing disciplines that will help us all be the People of God.

Join us on the first Tuesday of the month from September to May and discover new meaning in these Ten Words of Love. All women of the church and friends are invited and welcome. This year’s study from Presbyterian Women will be led by Sue Peterson

For more information, contact Sue Peterson, sbpeterson71@gmail.com or 407-678-4693.

To order the study guide ($10 or $15 for large print), go to https://www.presbyterianwomen.org/bible-study/love-carved-in-stone/