Humble Obedience!

For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they did not depart from them, until the LORD removed Israel out of His sight, as He had said by all His servants the prophets. So Israel was carried away from their own land to Assyria, as it is to this day.                  2 Kings 17:22-23 (NKJV)

It’s very disheartening when God’s people willfully reject Him.  It’s sad to consider the hardness of heart of those who rebel against a merciful, patient and forgiving Lord.  And who can withstand His righteous judgement?

David understood something of the Lord that subsequent generations had forgotten…the significance of humble obedience.

LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the LORD; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change; He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.                                                                                                           Psalm 15 (NKJV)

Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place?  He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the LORD, And righteousness from the God of his salvation.                                                                Psalm 24:3-5 (NKJV)

As Israel entered the land from which they were many years later dispossessed, the Lord said to them –

"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the LORD and His statutes which I command you today for your good?                                                        Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (NKJV)

Nevertheless, Israel rejected His commands and suffered the consequences.

Dear Ones, the Lord’s love language has always been humble obedience.  Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep My commandments”. 

My encouragement to you today, Loved One – Keep it simple!  Love the Lord your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and follow His commands – not your commands, not the world’s commands or demands, but His J !  It is for YOUR good.

Be blessed!