Thoughts on Deuteronomy 10

““At that time the Lord said to me, ‘Cut for yourself two tablets of stone like the first, and come up to me on the mountain and make an ark of wood.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭10:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Moses cut the tablets of stone where God would write the 10 commandments. He did this twice. He also made an ark of wood. Why did Moses have to do this? God could have easily sent lightning to cut out stones, or commanded the wood to break, bend and form an ark. Moses didn’t have to lift a finger.

It’s amazing that, imperfect as we are, God allows us to be part of His work. He doesn’t have to – it certainly would be less complicated without us constantly messing things up. And yet, throughout the Bible and throughout history, God has used imperfect people to do incredible things.

How should we respond when we are given this opportunity?

There is the danger of developing a false sense of importance (spiritual pride – that’s not good). Sometimes we complain or make excuses (“It’s too hard! Why me? Why can’t he do it?”). Or worse, we disobey and go the other way (Not gonna lie, I was surprised too when I found myself doing this).

The best response is Joy. If we are to do our work (=jobs) cheerfully as if to God not man, how much more joyful should we be when the work actually is for God? We should joyfully make the best darn stone tablet we can.

““And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭10:12-13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

It’s not complicated, but it’s difficult to do, and to keep on doing. It’s for our good. Moses reminds us of God’s sovereignty over the heavens and the earth, of His great power. How He chose to love us. As Christians, we know that this love is great, as it came with a great price.

“You shall fear the Lord your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear. He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭10:20-21‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Joyfully make the best darn stone tablet we can.

  

Thoughts on Proverbs 4

I have been thinking about this for a while.

Proverbs 4 means a lot different to me rereading it now as a father.

  

Now that my son is 5, he’s able to understand slightly more complex concepts. Recently, he has discovered the question “Why?” and would ask it incessantly. 

It’s a great time for me as a dad because, finally, we are able to have good “father and son talks”. In all our recent interactions, these “teachable moments” are really the ones I enjoy most and hold dear.

It’s not that these moments are all happy and fun, no, most of the time we are “wrestling” with one another – wrestling with our emotions, words, and actions. But I love the little guy, stubborn as he may be at the beginning, we always end on a good note. And, I think and I hope, we become better people after.

If only I could guide him everyday, every moment. And if only he would trust me and obey me, even if it’s not what he wants. I only have a few years, I better make it count.

But the greatest lesson, is this:

“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭11:13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Recently I feel that how I see my son now, could also be the same way my Heavenly Father probably sees me. My son is an awesome kid, but at times he’s stubborn, at times he’s illogical. He has his good days and bad days, shining moments and not so good moments. He has his struggles and worries that he sometimes tries to fix by himself – big things for him, but very simple things for me. And sometimes, he forgets who I am and what I can do.

But no matter what he does, I love him – yes, wholeheartedly and unconditionally. I will teach him as much as I can, and I will reprove him for his sake.

And what joy is it for me when he obeys! Because I know that it will go well with him if he develops good character as he grows up. And what joy is it for me when he trusts me, when he opens up to me, and when he asks me for help. It’s a joy to have him run to me, whatever the circumstance.

I wonder, these thoughts and feelings I have for my son.. could it be, God’s thoughts and feelings to me as well?

Thoughts on Hosea 4

God has given responsibility to spiritual leaders to lead people to Him. So if a spiritual leader leads people away from God, God’s contention will be not on the people but with the leader (v.4). Though, ultimately, each person is accountable for his own actions (v.9). i.e. Adam and Eve.

Are we ‘priests’ or ‘people’? I think we are both. Christians are a ‘royal priesthood’ through Jesus our High Priest (1 Peter 2). All of us to some extent are able to influence others – we are able to lead people closer to God (or, away from God). But we are also all under some authority, and as such we should encourage our leaders to stay faithful to God.

What’s the punishment for the sin of priest and people? An unsatisfied life. Emptiness, even with all the worldly pleasures. It will be a downward spiral that will eventually lead to ruin.