But I said to you, “You will possess their land; I will give it to you as an inheritance, a land flowing with milk and honey.” I am the LORD your God, who has set you apart from the nations. Leviticus 20:24
Studying in 1 Samuel, I read the account where the leaders of Israel approached Samuel and asked for a king. Samuel's sons were next in line as Samuel was aging, but the elders said they (basically) didn't trust his sons' leadership. They had a good argument, in that, verse 3 states that the sons of Samuel accepted bribes and tended to pervert justice. Who would want to be under that leadership?
It was impressed upon me through the commentary I was studying, that a major problem with their desire for a king was that they were looking around them at other nations and wanting to be like them. Forgotten was the fact that God had set them apart from the other nations. They were to be different. God was the One to follow after, not the other nations. They needed to be seeking after God's plan for them, not using the nations they'd been set apart from as their guide. They had God Himself to guide them.
What were they thinking?
Probably the same thing I think at times..."I hear you God, but..."
I know I'm supposed to be content, but "this" will make me happier.
I know my heart is supposed to be fully committed to You, but I don't want to do what You're asking me to do.
I know "this" isn't something pleasing to You, but it won't hurt anything to do "it" anyway.
I know my identity is to be in You, but my friends do this and have that...surely it will work for me, too.
I was reminded of this lesson as I went about my week. Anxiety levels were high. Focus was yesterday's memory. Other people's lives and things were easy to look and and wish for. Satan had darts flying from everywhere at me.
God reminded me as I was making the bed one day that the cares of this world will pass away. I am His. I am set apart. He makes the sun rise, surely He can move into place His desires for my life. His will is perfect. His timing is divine.
I admit it was (always is) hard to combat satan's schemes and have enough energy left to listen and obey the Truth. I fail. God extends grace.
The key is looking at God first and remembering He has set me apart.
Blending in is not an option.
He deserves more from me.
This is a great reminder. I am trying to be more obedient. It's not going so well just yet. I started a new Bible study, and I'm hoping I will make time everyday to read the Bible. I've really had a hard time balancing it all.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ms. Janet, I really needed to hear that. : )
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