Why it Matters - Holiness

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 5:11-25, 2 Samuel 6, 1 Chronicles 13-16

Holiness seems to be a forgotten concept in our culture. Even in many of our churches. We have become so familiar with Jesus that it has bread contempt. Contempt for His Word. Contempt for His ways. Contempt for His Law. We’ve settled for cheap grace. Easy believism. We falsely assume that a relationship with Jesus comes with no expectations. Nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus is clear. Those who love Him obey His commandments. Those who follow Him deny themselves. Those who become His disciples pick up a cross. There is a cost to discipleship. Not because we have to earn anything. Not because we have to prove ourselves to anyone. Not because we have to work to earn God’s favor. But simply because God is holy. And because God is holy, we must be holy. And holiness requires us to submit our will and our way to God.

David learned this the hard way. He falsely assumed he could worship God any way he wanted as long as it was sincere. The people of God were so excited to bring the ark of the covenant back home but in their fervor, they did not seek the Lord. They did not honor God’s commands when it came to worship. God had clearly prescribed a precise way to handle the ark. It was to be carried by the Levites. It was to be accompanied by musicians. Sacrifices were to be made. It was a sacred procession. Tragically, David’s first attempt to bring the ark home didn’t follow God’s prescribed commands so when Uzzah, himself a Levite and someone who should have known better, reaches out his hand to steady the ark to keep it from falling, he is struck down. Even though he was well-intentioned, he violated God’s command not to touch the holy items directly. It’s a sober reminder even for us today.

When we gather for worship, are we gathering in accordance with God’s will and God’s way? Unfortunately, a lot of churches have turned inward and focus more on their own preferences when it comes to worship. Still others focus on entertainment and self-help. Still others focus on the needs of the people rather than honoring a holy God. No church is perfect, of course. I won’t pretend the church I serve has it “right.” But the primary question that guides our worship is not “how do the people feel or respond” but does it honor God.

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 15, 23-25, 47

Why it Matters - Unity

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 5:1-10, 1 Chronicles 11-12, Psalms 133

A fundamental principle of the Christian faith is that we are never, ever alone. First and foremost, God is with us. He promises to come and dwell with us when we give our lives to Him. Through the Holy Spirit, He indwells our hearts and abides with us forever. This is why it’s so important to spend time with God every day and gather for worship with His people every week. We need the constant reminder that He is Emmanuel, God with us. Second, God surrounds us with His people. People from all walks of life who share a common commitment to the Lord. They pray for us. They encourage us. They support us. They hold us accountable. Men and women of deep faith who do life alongside us. We build these relationships in small groups, Bible studies, and through mentoring. We connect deeply with one another as we share openly and honestly and vulnerably and transparently. This is how God designed the Christian life to work and as we follow Him faithfully, our circle of relationships grows. It’s beautiful.

This is what David experienced as well. First and foremost, the Bible says God was with David. “David’s power grew steadily, for the Lord God who commands armies was with him.” (1 Samuel 5:10 NET) The source of David’s success was the Lord. He did not win his battles by himself. He did not accomplish all the great things he accomplished on his own. God was with him to strengthen and empower him along the way. Second, God surrounded David with godly men. Mighty men. Men of valor who would have his back and fight by his side. “These were the leaders of David’s warriors who helped establish and stabilize his rule over all Israel, in accordance with the Lord’s Word.” (1 Chronicles 11:10 NET) The author of Chronicles goes on to list the names of these men and even provides some of the detail as to their accomplishments. The sacrifices these men made for David are extraordinary. These men were eventually joined by thousands of others as God brought unity to His people under David’s godly leadership.

God blesses the unity of His people. I have seen it with my own eyes. All it takes to make it happen is one person who commits to walk with the Lord. As we commit our way to Him, He will surround us with godly men and women who share the same heart and desire. And as that group of people grows, great things will be accomplished for God’s Kingdom. This is how it has always been and always will be. What role do you play in bringing God’s people together?

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 5:11-25, 2 Samuel 6, 1 Chronicles 13-16

Why it Matters - Help

Readings for today: Psalms 121, 123-125, 128-130

I just returned from an international trip and one of the places I visited was Kazakhstan. I had never been there before and it is beautiful. I flew into Almaty and spent time with mission partners in the city. The city is located in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. The peaks tower directly over the city to the south, some rising to over 16000 feet. They are glorious on a clear day. One of the main attractions in Almaty is a beautiful ski resort located about twenty minutes outside the city. Once you’re there, you can ride a gondola up into the mountains and catch some amazing views. Unfortunately, the day I was there it was cloudy but we were still able to get high enough to see the city below.

The city of Jerusalem is located in a similar spot, though the mountains are not nearly as high. It too is nestled on a plateau in the middle of the Judaean Mountains. The Mount of Olives lies to the east and Mount Scopus to the northeast. One of the most iconic views of Jerusalem is seen from a lookout point on the Mount of Olives and it’s where most tours stop on their way into Jerusalem. It’s spectacular. For the Psalmist, the view has a deeper spiritual meaning. As he looks out on the mountains that surround the city, he sees it as symbolic of how the Lord surrounds His people. Protecting them. Guiding them. Encircling them in His love. “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, now and forevermore.” (Psalms‬ ‭125‬:‭2‬ ‭NET‬‬) It’s a potent vision. One I am reminded of when I look out on the mountains that lie to the west of my own city. I think about their strength and permanence. I think about their heights and majesty. Over the years, I’ve climbed many of those mountains and the view from the top is breathtaking. A taste of what the Lord sees when He looks down on all He has made.

In Psalm 121, the Psalmist poses this question…”I look up toward the hills, toward the mountains, from where does my help come?” Not from the hills. Not from the mountains. Not from any place in this world. His help comes from the Lord, who made everything in heaven and on earth. Is the Lord your helper? Do you sense His abiding presence with you each and every day? Do you lean on Him for strength and wisdom? Do you look to Him for guidance when you make decisions? Is He your protector? Do you find yourself living within His embrace? Resting in His everlasting arms?

Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays