1 Kings 8:23
The scripture for today is 1 Kings 8:23
1 Kings 8:23 And he said, LORD God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keeps covenant and mercy with your servants that walk before you with all their heart.
This, the beginning of Solomon's prayer of dedication of the temple at Jerusalem, expresses the wonder of God and His relationship with those who walk with him in humility and obedience. Solomon is restating what Moses had written earlier: "Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments." Deuteronomy 7:9 It is easily seen that walking before God with all of one's heart is expressed by our willingness to live a life of love for God that is exemplified by keeping His commandments. His commandments, which are written in the heart of every child of God (Hebrews 8:10, Hebrews 10:16), flow directly from the love of God and direct His children in Godly living. God is the only source for true love and godliness.
Solomon describes God as totally unique; "there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath." The uniqueness of God lies not only in His eternal and creative presence and power, but also in the love that identifies His very character and nature. He has enabled mankind to express that love and character also. He gave His commandments to mankind to clearly show how to express both love for God and love for others. Everything that is not founded in love, the nature of God, is founded in sin, the nature of the devil. There are only two paths set before us and one is the path of obedience which leads to eternal life, and the other is the path of disobedience which leads to eternal death. The path of disobedience is very wide and has many different lanes in which to travel. One can literally choose their personal flavor of disobedience and move merrily along this path without being in concert with others who choose a different flavor of disobedience. All of them, however, are moving in the same direction, on the same broad road, disregarding the commandments of God, not embracing His character of love. The path of obedience is narrow; there is no room for multiple lanes. Jesus provides the only example and if one is to remain on His path they must follow in His steps. His steps are commandment keeping footsteps and His life, a life of humility and obedience, is a life of love expressed to both God and man. If we follow Christ we will be walking before God with all of our hearts, embracing His covenant and mercy daily.
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim