Daily Devotional
March 7 - 13, 2010
March 7
Proverbs 21
"To do righteousness and justice is desired by the Lord rather than sacrifice" (v3). This was the theme of the prophets, who reminded all Israel that sacrifices were worthless without love and obedience. The proverbs warn against "haughty eyes and a proud heart" (v4), and offering huge, showy sacrifices may flow from this kind of arrogance (v27). The hidden, quiet virtues of kindness, private purity, and self-control reflect a heart which is truly devoted to God.
"Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the Lord" (Ps 4:5). Sacrifices win the approval of people, but daily obedience demonstrates our love.
March 8
Psalm 82
"Vindicate the weak and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and destitute. Rescue the weak and needy" (v3). In our power-driven world, the weak and needy are often oppressed by the strong and rich. In the psalmist's day, as in ours, corrupt judges sometimes favored the wicked (v2). The guilty went free if they were rich; those who were poor were trapped. But God "judges in the midst of the rulers" (v1), and calls us to walk in integrity.
"Arise, O God, judge the earth!" There is only one Judge who sees the truth of every heart.
March 9
Romans 5
"… and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (v5). Paul encourages us to "exult in our tribulations," because when we cling to Jesus, the result is unshakeable hope. God-in-Christ proved His amazing love by dying for us "while we were yet sinners" (v8). If He loves us this much, surely He will never abandon us. Jesus is with us always through the Spirit "who was given to us," continually pouring out His love, giving us reason to hope in every trouble.
March 10
Romans 6
"For sin shall not be master over you …" (v14). We were all "slaves of sin." Christ freed us by conquering sin and death, and now we serve a different Master. In Paul's time, a servant "presented" himself to his master and awaited orders, signifying, "I'm at your service; I will carry out your plans" (v13). Paul urged believers to stop being instruments of evil; instead, "present yourselves to God" as His instruments, ready and willing to carry out His plans.
Being free is not passive; we are free in order to serve God, carrying out His plans in a broken world.
March 11
I Chronicles 25
"Moreover, David … set apart for the service some of the sons of Asaph …" (v1). Now that most of Israel's enemies were subdued, David recognized that the nation had to shift from war to peace. The ark was permanently in Jerusalem, so the tribe of Levi needed new jobs. They no longer had to transport the ark and tabernacle. Now they focused on music, the care of the Temple, and guarding the gates (ch 23-25), etc.
Israel's peace was temporary, but we look forward to a permanent, peaceful Kingdom. Our battles will be over, and we will enjoy new duties.
March 12
I Chronicles 26-27
"All these were the sons of Obed-edom; they and their sons and their relatives were able men with strength for the service" (26:8). Other gate-keepers were called "mighty men of valor" (v6). They were well-suited to the specific task of guarding the gates of the Temple complex. The musicians were "skillful," and the most skilled were teachers of others (25:7-8). By choosing many tasks "by lot," the Israelites recognized God's active role in ordering their community.
In God's plan, every community member was essential, just as every member of the Body has a gift to offer (I Cor 12).
March 13
I Chronicles 28
"As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind … If you seek Him, He will let you find Him" (v9-10). Again, David urged Solomon to develop a close relationship with God. The health and future of Israel's kingdom depended on Solomon's commitment to God and God's ways. David knew there was great joy in knowing God, because of the promise: "He will let you find Him."
Mercifully, the eternal Kingdom does not depend on our finding God, but on the God who came to find us.
