Bible Reading: Numbers 18:32
Numbers 18:32 says, “By presenting the best part of it you will not be guilty in this matter; then you will not defile the holy offerings of the Israelites, and you will not die.” God
told the Levites to give the best part of everything that the Israelites brought as a tithe or offering to him, the rest was theirs. If they obeyed, they would be blessed. If not, well, things wouldn’t end well.
Sadly, Eli, the priest had two sons who didn’t listen very well. They chose not to follow God’s instructions and they were keeping the best part of the offerings for themselves.
God told them what he wanted them to do. However, God didn’t force them to obey him. God gave them a clear choice. He let them decide for themselves whether or not to obey. He left the choice up to them – obey and be blessed or disobey and suffer the consequences.
God does the same thing for us. He’s told us what he wants us to do, but unlike a mother who takes a small child by the hand and walks him step by step through her instructions to make sure the job gets done, God leaves it up to us whether or not we obey. God won’t “mother” us. If we choose to obey, we are also choosing to receive God’s blessing. If we choose not to obey, we are also choosing to receive whatever punishment God feels we deserve.
What choice are you making right now?
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I’m choosing to obey you – starting right now! In Jesus’ name. Amen.