Watchword
(1 Kings 19.1-21; Matthew 3.1-17)
May the Lord give you increase, both you and your children. Psalm 115.14
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me; Do not stop them; it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” He took them in his arms and laid his hands on them in blessing. Mark 10.14,16
Psalm 15
O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent?
Who shall dwell on your holy hill?
He who walks blamelessly and does what is right
And speaks the truth in his heart;
Who does not slander with his tongue
And does no evil to his neighbor
Nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
In whose eyes a vile person is despised,
But who honors those who fear the LORD;
Who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
Who does not put out his money at interest
And does not take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be moved.
This psalm, along with the 24th, describes those who live before the Lord. In this company is much variety, but too an underlying similarity. This song celebrates that similarity.
Those who dwell with God, as any others, live in the world of neighbors, opinions, promises, business issues, dealings in commerce and law. But how they navigate through this world is different, in both senses of the term - both dissimilar and distinct.
We read in the New Testament about the people of God raising the attention of the surrounding society to God by their works. We wonder, what sort of goodness could have such an effect? Well, start here.
Of course, this psalm highlights people’s disposition and behavior, not in the sacred tabernacle, but in the profane and mundane. Another reminder that our relationship to God MUST affect our speech, our checkbook, our opinions about the wicked.
As we concentrate on praying for our family today, ask God to form these traits in each member.
Bible Reading: Romans 11: 7-10
Here a mystery. The children of Israel hardened, blinded, deafened, entrapped, forced to stoop over. They failed to find what they were seeking. What were they seeking? To establish their righteousness.
That reversal is of course a matter of history. But let’s not miss out on the general lesson: it is altogether possible to want what is good and right and go about obtaining it the wrong way. Trust God! Find out what He has said! Wait on Him!
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