Bible Reading: Exodus 20:1-17; Romans 8:1-4

Tristan sighed as the bell signaling the end of recess rang. "Come on," he said to his friend Aria. "We'd better hurry or we'll get in trouble."

"Yeah," Aria said. "Mrs. McGinn is so strict. Her rules are impossible!"

As Tristan worked on his math that afternoon, his pencil point broke. He tapped Aria on the shoulder. "Do you have an extra pencil?" he whispered.

"Tristan," said Mrs. McGinn sternly, "you know the rule about not whispering in class. You broke that rule, so you will stay inside during morning recess tomorrow." Tristan tried to explain, but it was no use.

When Tristan told his parents about it, Mom shook her head. "I'm sorry your teacher is so strict and didn't listen to what you had to say," she said. "But you knew the rule, and you broke it. Next time ask Mrs. McGinn for a pencil instead of Aria."

Dad picked up his Bible. "Ready for family devotions? I believe we're up to Exodus 20, and it's your turn to read, Tristan."

Tristan took the Bible and began to read. "More rules!" he exclaimed after reading several verses.

Dad nodded. "These rules are called the Ten Commandments. They were given to the Israelites as part of God's law. The Bible also tells what the punishments would be if the Israelites disobeyed them."

"Is it as bad as Mrs. McGinn's?" asked Tristan.

"Much worse. Sin is a terrible offense against God, and sometimes the punishment was death," said Mom. "In fact, the final punishment for sin--for all people--is eternal death. That's punishment in hell forever."

"But because God loves us, He offers us grace instead of the punishment we deserve," said Dad. "We've all done things that are wrong and are therefore guilty of breaking God's law. But Jesus took the punishment for our sin when He died on the cross. When we trust in Him, He forgives our sins and gives us eternal life with Him."

Mom nodded. "Because of God's grace, we don't need to fear eternal punishment. Jesus took that for us."

Tristan smiled. "It would be nice if someone would take my punishment from Mrs. McGinn too," he said. "But at least it won't last forever!"

–Nance E. Keyes