Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 16-17
Scripture Focus: And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, (Deuteronomy 17.19-20)
Devotional Thought: The law that God gave the Israelites on Mount Sinai has proven to be some of the most enduring and influential teachings upon which western civilization has been built. And, it was not just "a private matter" as some wish to relegate faith today. No, God instructed Israel's future leaders (kings) to know and follow "all the words of this law." Several important results would come when the leaders did this...
• Humility. God knew that the tendency of leaders - even godly leaders - is to begin to feel privileged and entitled. They begin to do things to protect their power and preserve their position. Wouldn't it be nice if Washington politicians lived with the same laws that are given us? By knowing the Law of God and knowing where success comes from, leaders can avoid lifting themselves up above those they lead.
• Reliability. I find it amazing how the positions of politicians change with the wind. What was once considered a bedrock principle, is quickly discarded when it seems politically expedient. Having the Word of God as our foundation, we can establish human laws that transcend passing cultural fads.
• Stability. Another advantage of leaders following the Word of God is that an environment is created in which principles can be handed down from generation to generation. How greatly policies change when executive orders are issued based on the whims and wishes of the chief executive. It is hard to build a stable society when the foundations keep shifting.
May God give us leaders who know and follow the Word of the Lord!
Prayer: Thank you, Lord God, for giving us your Word. Help us to know and follow your Word that it may go well with us and that we may live long in the land the Lord our God has given us. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 17.1-5
1 Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit! 2 From your presence let my vindication come! Let your eyes behold the right!
3 You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night, you have tested me, and you will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress. 4 With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. 5 My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.
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