June 14
1 Kings 12:20-13:34; Acts 9:26-43; Psalm 132:1-18; Proverbs 17:6
How often do we see people, including ourselves, rationalize disobedience to God? In 1 Kings 12-13, we see both a king and a “man of God” who are willing to disobey God. King Jeroboam was concerned about retaining his power and position and was thus willing to drag people away from worshiping God in the way he had commanded. He was more concerned about his glory and prestige, than God’s.
Similarly, we see a “man of God” from Judah who was willing to confront the king and in doing so risked his life. He courageously obeyed God and yet when a prophet told him to do what he said rather than God he was willing to do so. This prophet echoes the words of the serpent in the garden by insinuating that God must not have said what the “man of God” thought.
Whether we are tempted to disobey God for our benefit or because we have been somehow convinced that God did not say what he said, we must confess our waywardness and choose the way of obedience. We need to walk in the way that God calls David’s descendants in Psalm 132:12, which is to “keep my covenant and the statutes I teach them.” We need to always remember that the path of obedience is always the best (not always the easiest) but is where intimacy with God, joy, peace, and abundant life is found.
Father God, help me to always put you first. Help me to put your glory before my desires and to know that life is always found in obeying you. Help me to trust in you with all my heart and to lean not on my own understanding, but in all my ways acknowledge you, knowing you will make my paths straight. Amen.
Question of the day: Where in life have you been or are you currently tempted to compromise obedience?
How often do we see people, including ourselves, rationalize disobedience to God? In 1 Kings 12-13, we see both a king and a “man of God” who are willing to disobey God. King Jeroboam was concerned about retaining his power and position and was thus willing to drag people away from worshiping God in the way he had commanded. He was more concerned about his glory and prestige, than God’s.
Similarly, we see a “man of God” from Judah who was willing to confront the king and in doing so risked his life. He courageously obeyed God and yet when a prophet told him to do what he said rather than God he was willing to do so. This prophet echoes the words of the serpent in the garden by insinuating that God must not have said what the “man of God” thought.
Whether we are tempted to disobey God for our benefit or because we have been somehow convinced that God did not say what he said, we must confess our waywardness and choose the way of obedience. We need to walk in the way that God calls David’s descendants in Psalm 132:12, which is to “keep my covenant and the statutes I teach them.” We need to always remember that the path of obedience is always the best (not always the easiest) but is where intimacy with God, joy, peace, and abundant life is found.
Father God, help me to always put you first. Help me to put your glory before my desires and to know that life is always found in obeying you. Help me to trust in you with all my heart and to lean not on my own understanding, but in all my ways acknowledge you, knowing you will make my paths straight. Amen.
Question of the day: Where in life have you been or are you currently tempted to compromise obedience?
Recent
Archive
2025
2024
June
July
Categories
no categories
No Comments