Today’s WORD (Text) Psalm 19:7-10
7/ The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; 8/ the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; 9/ the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10/ More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold, sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Today’s Witness
The psalmist’s commendation of the law of the Lord is a fitting sequel to the reading of The Ten Commandments on yesterday. We reflected on the beauty and perfection of the words that God spoke, and the underlying wisdom, logic and simplicity embedded in the commands to put God first, to honor God above all else, and to observe as sacred what God observed as sacred.
As we acquaint ourselves with the whole law of God in both the Hebrew scriptures and the New Testament, we discover a beauty that transcends rules and regulations. Our hearts and minds are illumined by seeing the creation and humankind as God sees us. We begin from the premise that God desires what is best for the creation, that the instructions God gives are enduring and always in humankind’s best interest. God’s laws are not a reaction to human sin and disobedience. Rather, God’s laws prescribe a forward path toward truth, righteousness, justice and shalom. God’s laws are desirable, even more so than fine gold and the drippings of the honeycomb.
Today’s Invitation
Why is it that God’s laws are often thought of as punitive and threatening? What shift is required to see God’s laws as beautiful and desirable rather than restrictive and frightening?
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, we praise you for the beauty and perfection of your words. We praise you for your life-giving vision for the creation. Praise you for ordering our steps in the path of goodness, mercy, and justice. Grant that we will follow your laws in all that we say and do and discover the beautiful life that comes with obedience to your holy words. Amen.
The Passionary Intention
Today, I choose to live my life with passion. Today, I intend to follow Christ more nearly, love more dearly and incarnate God’s grace more clearly by asking myself three questions:
- Where will I follow Christ today?
- To whom shall I demonstrate Jesus’ love and justice today?
- How can I play my part in practicing the presence of Christ, right here, right now?
The Passionary Movement Word and Witness devotion is published weekdays (Monday – Friday). Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies is the author of today’s devotion.
Today’s WORD (Text) Psalm 19:7-10
7/ The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; 8/ the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; 9/ the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10/ More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold, sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Today’s Witness
The psalmist’s commendation of the law of the Lord is a fitting sequel to the reading of The Ten Commandments on yesterday. We reflected on the beauty and perfection of the words that God spoke, and the underlying wisdom, logic and simplicity embedded in the commands to put God first, to honor God above all else, and to observe as sacred what God observed as sacred.
As we acquaint ourselves with the whole law of God in both the Hebrew scriptures and the New Testament, we discover a beauty that transcends rules and regulations. Our hearts and minds are illumined by seeing the creation and humankind as God sees us. We begin from the premise that God desires what is best for the creation, that the instructions God gives are enduring and always in humankind’s best interest. God’s laws are not a reaction to human sin and disobedience. Rather, God’s laws prescribe a forward path toward truth, righteousness, justice and shalom. God’s laws are desirable, even more so than fine gold and the drippings of the honeycomb.
Today’s Invitation
Why is it that God’s laws are often thought of as punitive and threatening? What shift is required to see God’s laws as beautiful and desirable rather than restrictive and frightening?
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, we praise you for the beauty and perfection of your words. We praise you for your life-giving vision for the creation. Praise you for ordering our steps in the path of goodness, mercy, and justice. Grant that we will follow your laws in all that we say and do and discover the beautiful life that comes with obedience to your holy words. Amen.
The Passionary Intention
Today, I choose to live my life with passion. Today, I intend to follow Christ more nearly, love more dearly and incarnate God’s grace more clearly by asking myself three questions:
The Passionary Movement Word and Witness devotion is published weekdays (Monday – Friday). Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies is the author of today’s devotion.