Monday, May 11, 2009

Today's Scripture: Leviticus 26

Happy Monday, I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day. It might just be all of yesterday's focus on moms but I think today's scripture really highlights some of God's parenting characteristics.

D'Ann and I have read several parenting books and one of the most common pieces of advice is to establish a set list of rules and consequences. At this point in scripture God has already given His people the Ten Commandments as well as all of the instructions here in Leviticus. With this chapter however God really focuses in on the cause and effect of the obedience of His people.

In verses 1-13 God describes His ultimate desire for His people. He wants them to have safety, plenty of food, victory over their enemies, and a closeness with Him. God promises that all of these things are theirs if they just follow His decrees and are careful to obey His commands. Doesn't this sound like a parent explaining to a child that all they want is the best for their child. I can hear my parents now "follow the rules and you will stay out of trouble."

Then in verses 14-46 God describes the consequences for disobeying His rules. My two favorite things that God says in these verses is "If after all this you will not listen to me," and "If in spite of these things you do not accept my correction but continue to be hostile toward me, I myself will be hostile toward you..." I can hear both of my parents saying very similar things to me, especially during my teen years.

I think the verses in this chapter that most represent God as a parent are verses 44-45. God promises that even though His people's disobedience will force Him to punish them, He will not forget His covenant and He will not desert them.

Today I am thankful that we are still given this same promise from God. No matter how disobedient we are, God will never desert us. All He wants is for us to enjoy the good consequences of being obedient to Him.