Created to Crave - Day 50 Month 2-19 Week 8 Day 1

 Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)


Exodus 22:16-23:33 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2022%3A16%20-%2023%3A33&version=NIV

Psalm 42 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2042&version=NIV

Isaiah 39 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2039&version=NIV

Mark 2:1-22 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%202%3A1-22&version=NIV


Following God’s Heart


1. As I read some of the laws that God, through Moses, gave the Israelites, I came to realize that many of the laws were simply caring for and respecting others.  For example, Exodus 22: 26-27  talked about taking a person's cloak as a pledge. It was to be returned before the sun sets because it’s his only covering while he sleeps.  Chapter 23:6 says “You shall not pervert the justice due your needy brother in his dispute…..” and verse 8 states “You shall not take a bribe because it blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of the just.”   Very simply, the laws reflect the inherent nature, character and will of God.  Many of our modern day laws are adapted from these laws.


I believe we naturally crave to follow the path that God has set out for us and crave to follow His inherent nature.  We are affected by our own rebellion and I do believe Satan is present doing what he can to get in the way of what God is accomplishing.  The thing is though, in the deep recesses of our lives, we crave fulfilment.  I suggest it is a  God-sized craving.  As Psalm 42 says, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.”


2. In Isaiah, we are starting to get a hint of what Hezekiah’s extended life is going to cause in the land of Judah.  Hezekiah, unwisely, shows everything in his kingdom to the representatives of the king of Babylon.  Sure enough, along comes Isaiah the prophet to tell him that in future, all that is valuable of Hezekiah’s is taken to Babylon, along with some of his sons.  This is an example of hindsight being 20/20.  Of course Hezekiah responds with…. At least I’ll be ok.  I wonder if his sons heard him say that?


3. Finally, we read in Mark 2:14-17 we see that Jesus calls Matthew (Levi) to follow Him and then He goes for dinner at his home.  The religious people get cranky again and say why is He eating with those sinners and tax collectors?  I love Jesus’ response.  He says “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick;  I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”


I’ve mentioned in the past that our dog, Jake, is sickly.  We’ve had him for about 5-6 years now and he’s a senior.  A few days ago, while clipping his nails, Sylvia noticed something on one of his paws.  She immediately called the vet, got an appointment for an hour later and took Jake in.  He had a tumour on his paw.  Two days later, he had surgery, and now he’s recuperating.  Since he returned home, we have spent extra time with him, so that he’s not feeling alone and because we want to ensure he has the best chance at a quick recovery.  It’s a sacrifice we willingly make as his adoptive pet parents.


Jake is not a “human,” but I’m sure the moral of the story is understood. We regularly meet with some folks who attend our church, but this week, we need to honour our responsibility to our rescue dog and cancel time with others to help Jake get better. 


As a Jesus follower, if I am spending all my time with people who are part of my church family, how am I respecting and caring for everyone I know? I have very good friends who are Jesus followers, and I have very good friends who are not.  I want to spend time with all my friends!  


Be confident my online readers; I pray for everyone who reads this blog - and this means you!


Have a great day!

Steve


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