Who Are You? A Ten Commandments’ Tale

when my son and i met, the discussion concerning his marriage plans devolved into a lecture on the morals involved in parenting. i felt compelled to reveal stories that deeply shaped the trajectory of his life.

this intense moment brought to the forefront the question of “who are you to judge me? “

moses had this moment when he, as an egyptian royal, saw a hebrew slave mistreating another slave. he proceeds to cast moral judgment on the oppressor. the cunning slave challenges moses. who are you to act as a judge? is essentially asked. exodus 2:11-14.

authority is important. in law, attorneys cannot win arguments without referencing authorities. likewise, opinions on morality do not succeed without authority. absent scripture, those casting moral judgment often reach out to science, history and philosophy. sometimes, they employ corrupted science for their assertions.

communication technology advances with respect to the size of the reach and immediacy confounds those imposing moral opinions to the masses. they can rapidly be challenged with “who are you?” the voice of “who are you?” dissent can grow to the discomfort of those in charge.

those casting moral judgment in modern times are in moses’ position. he, with no mster of the universe, no torah and ten commandments, and morally compromised by his murdering of a taskmaster, was ill fit to confront the slave. at that point, moses was keenly aware that he lacked moral authority. shortly after the incident, he fled egypt due to the murder; perhaps, he it was also due to the fact that his sense of self-importance was destroyed.

in present times, those with their self-importance questioned turn to censorship. they enact laws to oppress dissent. there are perhaps signs that they are fully aware that their positions are morally faulty.

the lesson from moses is that he was aware of his fault. when harshly questioned, he did not lash out and kill the slave. rather, this moment displayed a glimmer of what a humble man moses would grow into. he heard, and took to heart, the strong words of others. he accepted his dilemma. he appreciated that, in order to become a moral authority, that he would have to connect with something greater than himself.

be well!!

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