We think nothing of being both parents and children at the same time. However, we are quick to discover that the experiences are very different.
Growing up, we look at our parents and think, “How can they treat us like this?” As parents, we look at our children and think, “I understand my parents, now.”
As any earthly parent would, God wants to give us good things. However, as with any good parent, there are things God expects of us, as well.
Today we will look at three verses that tell what God wants from us.
Our first reference is found in Deuteronomy 10:12-13.
In this passage, the Israelites have turned from God, creating a golden calf, and Moses pleads before the Lord for forty days lest God destroy them.
Moses gives the people God’s demand: Fear the Lord, walk in his ways, and observe the Lord’s commands.
What reason did he give them? It would be for their good.
When we serve God, walking in his ways and observing his commands, we become more like him.
Our second reference is found in Micah 6:8.
The children of Israel had once again become corrupt. God tells them he doesn’t want thousands of rams to be sacrificed with ten-thousand rivers of oil. He doesn’t want their first-born children to be offered to atone for their transgressions. Rather, he wants them to act justly with others, to be merciful when offended, and to walk humbly before him.
His concerns were about how they treated those around them, not how much self-acclaim they could amass by doing showy works for men to see.
When we follow the will of the Lord, he will grant us mercy and renewal in him.
Our third and final reference is found in 1 Kings 3:5-15.
To give background for this passage, King David had recently passed the kingdom to his son, Solomon. When Solomon went up to offer sacrifices to the Lord, Jehovah saw that Solomon’s heart yearned for the God of his father.
God appeared to him in a dream, asking, “What do you want from me? It shall be yours.” Solomon could have asked for anything.
When God sees that our hearts yearn for him, his heart will be tender, and he will offer us anything we desire. If we are wise like Solomon, we will ask not for riches, but for the wisdom to lead a good life in service to our God. Then God will give us all the other things we didn’t ask for.
God is a parent who understands his children. When he asks things of us, it is only for our benefit, and he will reward us for wise decisions.
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Code: FD.FGO.C.18.13e.vp