Ten Fingers, Ten Commandments

Our lives have the potential to make a huge positive influence on others.  For those in church ministry, it may feel like you aren't making much of a difference.  As I think about those who invested time in me as a kid, I remember and appreciate their sacrifice of time and faithfulness to God and His Word.  God is able to use straight-laced folks and complete characters to impact others for His glory.

Ricardo Medina was a man I will not forget.  He was called by his friends the "crazy Cuban," and would wear a cowboy hat, boots and trench coat to church every week.  I heard stories about him going to local churches and being asked to leave because of his wardrobe.  All I know is the man loved the LORD, and he had the heart of a servant.  What I remember the most was the time he stood in as youth leader on a Sunday evening at church.  I was in grade 7 or 8, and though decades have passed I have always remembered the lesson: Ricardo taught us the 10 Commandments using our fingers.  His lesson I have taught to my own children, and many others besides.

I do not know if Ricardo still walks the earth today - seeing as that was about 30 years ago - but if he does I would thank him and tell him I appreciate the lesson he shared in that cramped, panelled trailer  of a classroom.  A man other churches refused entry God used to administer the practical truth of God's perfect Law.  Psalm 19:7-11 reads, "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; ⁸ the statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; ⁹ the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. ¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. ¹¹ Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward."  God's Law reveals our sinfulness and desperate need for a Saviour and forgiveness.  We must see our filth before we seek cleansing, and we must recognise our grave illness before we desire a cure.

The 10 Commandments are listed in Exodus 20:1-17.  If you are interested in how to learn the 10 Commandments in order in less than 5 minutes and remember for a lifetime, here you go - compliments of Ricardo Medina!  Place your hands in front of you, palms facing up.  Starting from right thumb to left thumb:

1.  Picture a red "no smoking" type sign on your right thumb.  "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me."
2. See how your pointer finger has three segments like a totem pole?  That is an idol.  "Thou shalt not make for yourself any graven image."
3. Keeping your pointer extended, hold out your middle finger to make a "V."  This reminds us, "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD your God in vain."
4. Imagine your finger is full of holes, like Swiss cheese.  "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."
5. Your right pinky is a small finger, and a locket is very small.  In your locket is a tiny picture of your dad and mum.  "Honour your father and your mother."
6. Make a fist and extend the pinky on your left hand.  It could stab like a knife!  "Thou shalt not murder."
7. The next finger is your "ring" finger, which reminds us of God's covenant of marriage.  "Thou shalt not commit adultery."
8. The middle finger is your longest finger, like a "steel" pipe.  "Thou shalt not steal."
9. This second finger is called the pointing finger, and we sin by false accusation.  "Thou shalt not bear false witness (lie)."
10. When you rub your forefinger and thumb together, it is a sign for money.  To lust after wealth is to covet!  "Thou shalt not covet."

There it is!  Now you too can remember and share the truth of God with others, a legacy which - like God's Word - will endure forever!