September 19, 2008: Daily Devotion (1 Kings 17)
17:15 “They went after false idols and became false…” (ESV)
The intention of God’s choosing of the nation of Israel was that they would be consecrated—set apart. They were his light unto the world, meant to be within the culture, but not of it; permeate the culture and change it from the inside out. Over and over though, they proved their inability to live up to this calling. In fact, God tore all but the tribe of Judah from the line of David in hopes that maybe Jeroboam, son of Nebat, would bring this needed change, but he sinned worse than all those before him. Judah followed Israel’s example until no one truly consecrated could be found. Prophets, commissioned to speak on behalf of God (Jeremiah at this time and later Ezekiel) were unable to get through to the Israelites. Therefore, God’s people were unable to change the world. They were warned of the cost of their disobedience (Deut. 28) and that, to be what God had called them to be, they needed to make the daily choice to be obedient.
Exile. The final curse. How God’s heart must have broken…
Jeremiah 13:17
“But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly, overflowing with tears, because the LORD's flock will be taken captive.”
Ezekiel 16
“How sick is your heart, declares the Lord GOD, because you did all these things…” (ESV)
What was the original intention? So simple: “They shall be my people, and I will be there God.” I am just finishing up the third week of nursing school and I am beginning to see how my time is going to change. The call to be obedient is still the same though, despite shifting priorities and a highly rigorous and overwhelming schedule. Busyness must never become an excuse to cut out the regular time I spend in the word hearing from God everyday. The reality is that I wouldn’t even be at nursing school if God hadn’t called me to this as a young girl. I realize though, that the temptation is to become so focused on the vision that I lose sight of the one who gave it to me in the first place—to begin to worship the dream instead of the dream-giver. Jesus. I love you. I need you. Help me to never lose sight of you as the center of it all.
1 comment:
Katie, I appreciate so much this blog entry. I continue to remind myself daily that busyness is not godliness. Through this semester, we have acquired so many assignments, stress, and responsibility. But through it all, I struggle daily, just trying to find time with my Savior. It shouldn't be that way. He is the reason I am at school, and he is the sole reason that I live, so why do I struggle so much in finding time with him? It does not seem fair, does it? But I choose to strive for a yearning to read his word and hear what he has to say. So again, thank you for this encouragement. I can find the time if I just remember that he is the reason I am here...he is the reason I am learning to be a nurse, and that simple thought should come first before any assignments.
Good luck with studying and the wedding planning! You are going to make a great nurse and an even BETTER wife! =)
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