I Kings 8:61 ESV
2 Chronicles 16:9a NKJV
Romans 12:10 NIV
UN Series
When my children were small one of the most difficult things to help them understand was why some rules were UN changeable rules I established for them..
They were simple rules.
Don’t play on the steps going to the basement. That was because there was an open space beneath the bannister.
Don’t climb the fence in the backyard. That was because the fence was there to protect them from other people and animals.
Don’t touch the top of the stove. That’s because they weren’t tall enough to see if an element was on.
The list went go on but you get the point.
Every rule I had was non-negotiable because they were intended to protect them.
So, what did my sons do?
They played on the steps.
They climbed the fence.
They touched the top of the stove.
They were scolded and given reminders to obey.
(My daughter was the oldest and she was not a rule breaker. She didn’t like breaking rules and she didn’t.)
In I Kings 8:61, “Let your heart therefore be wholly true to the Lord our God, walking in his statutes and keeping his commandments, as at this day.”
When we consider the importance of being devoted to God, many of the same principles apply. It is believed that the Prophet Jeremiah wrote both books of the Kings (https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/.premium-who-wrote-bible-s-kings-and-prophets-1.5374070).
The words in I Kings 8:61 were not written by the prophet as a suggestion.
Telling readers and worshippers in Israel to stand by God completely was a whole-hearted effort to protect them. The prophet knew God loved them and would never do anything to harm them. Following God’s statutes would keep them under God’s arm of protection. Following God’s commandments were intended to promote love and harmony in their social order.
Every commandment was intended to provide structure and protection to Israel. The commandments were not given as a means to control Israel in a negative manner any more than my rules for my young children were intended to harm them or stifle them. The rules were intended to protect them.
The first four commandments told Israel who God was and how they should interact with God.
The commandment to honor father and mother provided order in the family.
The commandment not to commit adultery protected the sacred vows of marriage.
Other Old Testament scriptures focused on God knowing and recognizing those who remain loyal. In 2 Chronicles 16:9a we read, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”
In the Chronicles, Ezra (https://www.biblestudytools.com/1-chronicles/) was reminding readers that God was active in their lives and was dedicated to those who were loyal to them. God cared about them. God wanted their love and devotion because they were His children.
I get that.
I wanted affection and truth from my children.
I loved it when they came to me for help and support.
I used to tell my children that I wanted them to trust me and to rely on me when they needed help.
It’s the same with God. We are His children. God is there for us and wants us to rely on Him. God loves it when we go to Him to ask what we should do when we have a problem. God doesn’t expect us to fix problems on our own any more than I expected my children to fix their problems on their own.
God wants us to turn to Him. He wants us to be devoted to him.
When we are UN devoted and try to solve difficult problems on our own, it must hurt God. It would be unrealistic to think that God isn’t sad when we hurt. God loves us and hurts with us!
In Romans 12:10, the Apostle Paul tells the congregation in Rome, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Paul took the meaning of devotion to a new level. Not only can we be devoted to God, through Jesus we are called to be devoted to each other. Paul reminded them they need to look beyond themselves and love others. God loves us and we love each other.
God wants us to be devoted to Him and to each other.
That matters. Devotion matters.
It means we take God seriously.
Today’s Spiritual Practice is: Consider Devotion
Do you tell God you love Him? Do you think about loving God back? Spend a few minutes loving God. If you are struggling with something, tell God about it and ask God to help you.
In God, Deborah
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