Chapel Recap: A God Who Values Life, Justice, and Faithful Remembrance

In today’s chapel, Dr. Matt Bennett continued the series in Exodus, teaching through Exodus 20–23. Far from being outdated regulations, the laws given after the Ten Commandments reveal a God who deeply values life, justice, and the ongoing remembrance of His faithfulness.

Dr. Bennett explained that the Exodus laws make three truths clear. First, life is precious. Because humanity bears God’s image, life is to be protected and honored. God’s commands consistently reflect His care for human dignity, reminding His people that every life matters. “God is a God worthy of exclusive worship,” Dr. Bennett said, and honoring life flows directly from honoring the God who gives it.

Second, the laws emphasize that justice must be a priority in relationships within the Promised Land. God’s concern was not only personal morality, but how His people treated one another — especially the vulnerable. Justice was meant to shape everyday interactions, ensuring fairness, protection, and compassion among God’s people.

Third, the Exodus laws include intentional rehearsals of God’s faithfulness. God repeatedly called His people to remember what He had done — how He rescued, provided, and sustained them. These reminders were meant to guard Israel against forgetfulness and pride. “The God whose faithfulness we sing,” Dr. Bennett reminded everyone, “is the same God whose heart beats for the same things across testaments.” God’s character does not change from the Old Testament to the New.

Dr. Bennett then offered three applications for believers today. First, Christians must recognize and respect life wherever it is found, because every person reflects the image of God. Second, God remains a God of justice for all His image-bearers, calling His people to care for the weak, the marginalized, and the vulnerable. Third, God continues to be a God who loves to remind His people of His provision, inviting believers to rehearse His faithfulness through worship and obedience.

“We must be a people who recognize and respect the image of God in our neighbors, no matter who they are,” Dr. Bennett concluded. The message of Exodus 20–23 is clear: our God remains a champion of life, a defender of justice, and a gracious provider, and His people are called to reflect that same heart in the way they live life and love others.