Devotional – January 13, 2021

Do you remember reading Bible stories when you were growing up? Maybe about Noah and the Ark, Abraham attempting to sacrifice his son, Isaac, Moses parting the Red Sea? How about being in say, a Christmas play at church or school and playing one of the characters, or even being one of the manger animals?

I do remember; I have vivid memories of going to Sunday School and listening to the Sunday School teacher tell Bible stories about those famous Bible Characters. Looking back I secretly wondered if those events actually happened; for sure, I believed that God existed; for all that my eyes could see, the beauty of flowers, chirping of birds, the beautiful skies; there is no way it all just happened on its own. Considering the awesomeness of God, I believed that God deserved to be recognized and appreciated for the many good gifts He gives to humans.

What I was unsure of was exactly what God required of me as an expression of my appreciation, and more so how I was to express my gratitude. I heard adults try to explain what God expected from His children, and as far as I remember, I did the best I could to follow their directions, but there was still much confusion in my mind. With so many years passing since the days when there were far fewer accessible spiritual resources — in addition to the Bible, there were a few Bible Story books.

I believe that there is a universal desire among humans to know and love God, but, would you say that you know how to do so? It seems that sin continually stands in the way of our intention to walk the right path. Israel, the Chosen People of God wrestled with that same problem of falling out of line, and offending God. To the prophet Jeremiah, the Most High God gives him a message to deliver to Israel; it said:

Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.

Jeremiah 7:23.

The word of God to Jeremiah to the nation of Israel was given after Israel had violated their covenant with God; the people were guilty of numerous offenses to include: dealing unjustly with each other, oppressing foreigners, the fatherless and the widow, shedding innocent blood and worshiping idols. (Jeremiah 7:4-6).

The instruction God gave to Israel to solve their problem was to: “obey the voice of God”. Was it that God was speaking to Israel? The answer is yes. Israel had many prophets through whom God spoke to let the nation know what He required of them. Why then was Israel still disobedient? I believe it was a matter of choice.

Today’s topic: Undoubtable Guarantee shares the hope that we have in God. The content of the Bible allows us the opportunity to know God as He is, and to determine how we can live a successful spiritual life by learning from those who have gone before. Israel was a privileged nation; to be the Chosen People of God was a blessing that no other nation enjoyed. Yet Israel took the love and favour of God for granted over and over, and over again.

Through Israel’s story, you and I can learn valuable lessons and much wisdom about what to do, and not do. We learn what behaviours and attitudes please, and offend God so we can make good decisions about how we live. This is the undoubtable Guarantee that we have that when we: “obey the voice of God“, then we “shall be (His) people. It leaves us to find the path that will lead us to hear the voice of God so that we can obey.

How then can we hear the voice of God, let us explore:

• Read the Word of God, the Bible which is the expressed desires, plans and laws of God- In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (St. John 1:1)
• Pray in All Things; seek God’s face, He will give direction that will lead to the path you are to take – The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. ( St. James 5:16)
• Exercise Faith in God; believe that He is, His love is conditional, and His plans for you are good – And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

There is no doubt that the Word of God is true; if God says He will be your God when you obey Him, then you can be sure that He will be. It only leaves for you to obey His voice. I encourage you to seek to hear the voice of God clearly and consistently so that you can be led by His Holy Spirit. There is an Undoubtable Guarantee that you have to be “God’s People (child)” when you obey; there is no greater honour than this; be encouraged and Stay the Course of Faith.

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