Sunday, May 28, 2017

Daily Bible Reading - May 28, 2017

Today's Reading:

Romans 3:9-31

1 Samuel 12

Psalm 57

Listen to the Bible

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thoughts and Commentary on Today's Reading:

Today, I'm going to focus upon Psalm 57 and 1 Samuel 12, which was prophet Samuel's farewell address to Israel given just before he died. In 1 Samuel 12:23-24 we read:
"...I will teach you the good and the right way: Only fear Yahweh, and serve Him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things He hath done for you."
This goes perfectly with the message of David in Psalm 57 (portions of which are set to music in the praise video above).  When we think of what it means to "exalt" the Name of God, we commonly think of singing beautiful praises to His Name. But actually, as Samuel says in this farewell address, the highest form of praise and worship is "fearing God". And fearing God involves obedience to Him:

Ecclesiastes 12:13  "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His Commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." 

Reading the Bible, prayer and meditation are not the highest forms of worship. These are things you do to prepare your mind and heart and build your faith so you can make the choice to wholeheartedly love and obey God. That is why in Joshua 1: 7-8 God said:  

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.  

Truly the highest form of worship is obedience to Yahshua Messiah. Actually, this is nothing new. Obedience has always been the highest form of Worship, which is why it was the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden brought sin and death into the world. 

In 1 Samuel 15: 22-23 (which we haven't read yet in our daily Bible reading, but we'll get there)God rejected Saul as King because Saul disobeyed His Commandments. 
 

But Samuel replied,“What is more pleasing to Yahweh: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His Voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of Yahweh, He has rejected you as king.”  

 
Today as you praise God (which we do as long as we have breath!) sing His praises - for He is worthy - but don't forget the highest praise. Be obedient to Him.