I continue my
spiritual journey with the study of the story of the Israelites as detailed in
the Old Testament. Every time I read their story I'm always stunned by the
consistent cycle of disobedience – punishment – repentance – forgetfulness –
disobedience and the cycle continues.
These were
people that had real life experience of the love of God, yet it takes very little for them
to forget. Whenever they become comfortable, they turn their heart from God. As
I read the books of the Prophets, I could hear the pain in God’s heart. He only
asked for their obedience – “But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey
My voice and I will be your God and you shall be My people….. Yet they did not
obey or incline their ear but followed the counsels and the dictates of their
evil hearts..” ( Jeremiah 7:23,24).
Why am I so
different from the Israelites of yester-years? I know that Jesus is alive and
his blood continually cleanse me; yet, every time I incline my heart to the
dictates of self centred ungodly desires, aren’t I bringing the same pain
that the Israelites caused God? Especially, as He has sacrificed His precious
Son to make me clean in His sight.
One of the
things that made me stay away from God for so long was the incorrect assumption
that it would be too much sacrifice. What crap! The expectations as I
understand it in my journey, is to worship only God Almighty and do what is
right & just to other people. Jesus said it all.. ‘Love God with all your
heart… and love your neighbour as yourself,’ (Mathew 22:37-39) Simple commandment or is it?
Why is it so
difficult to obey God’s simple instruction I wonder? I can’t imagine why the
Israelites would turn time and time again to the worship of idols. Why would I
abandon the Living God and turn to man-made stones/wood/crafts? Is it because
man has to ‘see’ before they can believe?
I know we
have expanded the definition of idol to include anything (image, material
things, thoughts etc) that takes your love/time/focus away from God. I need the
Holy Spirit to help me to keep my focus on God all the time; He must be my
number one priority in all areas of my life. I must ensure I check my words,
behaviour, attitude, thought process against His commandments, and learn
lessons from the story of the Israelites’ relationship with God.
Loving people
takes a conscious determination and effort. It is easier to love people we know
and who are ‘good’ than strangers and difficult people or those we don’t get
along with. I am challenged with this daily, so I need even more abundant
grace. A lesson I have learnt along the way is to treat people the way I want
to be treated; fairly, justly and with kindness – isn't this what love is about?
What about
you? Is obedience to God a priority in your life? Or are you like the Old
Testament Israelites – going back and forth in your relationship with God? Let's not be as God said, like 'this evil people, who refuse to hear My words, who follow the dictates of their hearts...' (Jeremiah 13:10)
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