High school history class was a chore.
Remembering dates, facts, and important tidbits the teacher highlighted was not my strength, but I learned a valuable lesson from the first test. I didn’t know the exact answer the teacher looked for on one of the questions, so I included information I did know related to the topic. I thought I would get some credit for what I knew if I added it to my answer. I learned how mistaken I was. My teacher destroyed my grade. Her note to me said, “Answer only what I ask for—nothing more and nothing less.”
Moses tried to teach the Israelites about obedience when he taught them the expectations of following God’s decrees and law. Their first lesson involved adding and subtracting, but it wasn’t a simple first-grade math lesson.
Some of the people tried adding the other nations’ gods and worship practices to their own. God is a jealous God, so that didn’t go well for them. The Lord destroyed everyone who followed the local god, Baal of Peor. Those who followed only the Lord lived.
Obedience is an important lesson. Moses pressed his point by telling the people to be careful to observe God’s decrees and law, to watch themselves closely so they would not forget the things they had seen, and to remember the Lord’s words so they would revere Him. These vital points assist us with total obedience.
The advice of my history teacher—“Answer only what I ask for”—is worth following. Moses said the same thing. When we observe God’s decrees, watch ourselves closely, and remember to obey God’s words precisely, we reap blessings. Rewards may include the peace we desire to have with others, abounding joy, and contentment with our job, home, and life.
Remember, obedience is worth the investment you make.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Jennifer Turbeville is a loving mother who enjoys time with her husband and three young adult children. She is a brain tumor survivor with some long-term effects and challenges, which have taken away some of her musical hobbies. Now, she enjoys writing, painting, and doing crafts even more. Painting birds on bird houses is one of those fun and relaxing crafts. She is a substitute teacher and volunteers in ministry at her church.