Tag: trust in God
Thankful for Promises Kept
Scripture reading for August 29th: Jeremiah 36-40
Key Scriptures: Jeremiah 39:16-18 “Go and tell Ebed-Melech the Cushite, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I am about to fulfill My words against this city through disaster, not prosperity. At that time they will be fulfilled before your eyes. But I will rescue you on that day, declares the Lord; you will not be handed over to those you fear. I will save you; you will not fall by the sword, but will escape with your life, because you trust in Me,” declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah was instructed to tell the Gentile who helped him out of the pit and cared for him that God would spare his life. Although the city would go through God’s promised judgment because of the sins of His people, those who served Him would be spared! What a caring Father who fulfills His promises!
Rejoicing in God’s mercy promises: “But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.” (1st Thessalonians 5:8-10)
Preparing for the future!
Scripture Reading for February 27th: Deuteronomy 17-20
The passage today is another example of God’s foreknowledge. In Deuteronomy 17, Moses gives instructions to the Israelites about what will transpire after they enter the promised land. He said that they would want a king like the other nations around them. (Deuteronomy 17:14) We know from history, that is exactly what happened!
The first rule of choosing a king, is to appoint one chosen by the Lord Himself! He must come from his own brothers so he can understand the people and the problems they face. A foreigner would not have a proper understanding and in the case of Israel, would not understand God’s special dealing with this nation. (Deuteronomy 17:15) Jesus Christ was God’s chosen ruler to be king over His people! He was one of us, being born of a woman. He was tempted in all ways like us, yet without sin.
Another factor in choosing the proper king had to do with their moral character. The king was not to gather large numbers of horses or send people to Egypt to get them. This king was not to take a large number of wives, because the wives would lead his heart astray. He must not gather large amounts of silver and gold. (Deuteronomy 17: 16-17) These things often lead to idolatry and pride.
Jesus Christ met all these characteristics! He did not put his trust in military power and certainly did not lead the people to Egypt. He also did not marry here, but is still betrothed to a Gentile Bride. He certainly did not gather silver and gold, but was a man of contentment with whatever was provided here. He owns the universe and is not greedy or idolatrous!
The last instructions for the king was that he was to write for himself a copy of the law taken from priests. God wanted the king to know the law and Word of God. It would help him revere God and honor Him alone. (Deuteronomy 17:18-20) Jesus Christ, our King, perfectly honored His father and kept the law. He read the law regularly and identified with his brothers by giving Himself for them.
Since we as Christ-followers are kings and priests before Him, we should pay attention to these instructions. We have a great King and must honor Him by obeying His word! That’s good preparation for a glorious future!