Reflections from April 4, 2011

God reminds His children of His sovereignty and that He's serious about the commandments that He gave them, especially to not take His name in vain. We learn about this in Leviticus 24:16 where He says,
"Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall certainly stone him, the stranger as well as him who is born in the land. When he blasphemes the name of the Lord, he shall be put to death."
In culture, this death sentence has gone by the wayside, probably even in Israel. However, we do well to consider that God has not released us from this commandment, and there are ways that even today, we could be violating this. Examples may included,
* Blaming God for evil that occurs such as floods, tornados, hurricanes, etc. It's common to call these "acts of god" but God is incapable of evil.
* Dishonoring or cursing others. Man was made in God's image, so this amounts to cursing God.
* Willful, persistent rebellion and unbelief. To turn our back on God is a huge insult, especially in light of what God did to offer His Son on our behalf.

We may not be stoned to death by our fellow man today, but God will still carry out His judgement on us.

Which is why He repeats His words time and again as in Leviticus 25:18-19,
"So you shall observe My statutes and keep My judgements and perform them, and you will dwell in the land in safety. Then the land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill, and dwell there in safety."

God continues to remind them to follow His commandments, and to observe His requirements. He will watch over them, and therefore us, and keep us safe and secure and help us live in comfort.

We're reminded by David of what happens by not following His statutes in Psalms 81:13-14,
"Oh, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their adversaries."

So, by not following God, by turning our back on Him, we're left to our own devices, and to take care of ourselves. That makes life very difficult, and prevents us from receiving God's blessings. By humbling ourselves and following in His way, we'll live an abundant life that is full of richness, joy and blessings.

Blessings to all