Today’s readings: 2 Samuel 6:12-23; Romans 14:7-12; John 1:43-51
Luther explained the Ninth Commandment by saying, “We should fear and love God that we may not craftily seek to get our neighbor’s inheritance or house, but help and be of service to him in keeping it.”
David was bringing the Ark of the Covenant from Baale-judah to Jerusalem, when in Exodus 25:13, God commanded that the Ark be transported by the poles attached to the sides. David commanded the Ark be moved on a cart. David’s mistake caused the death of Uzzah. In anger, David left the Ark with Obed-edom. When David saw that God was blessing Obed-edom, only then did he decide to finish the move and bring the Ark to Jerusalem. David saw Obed-edom being blessed and he wanted God’s blessings for himself.
Coveting what someone has can compel us to act. Most of the time it is based on self-focused desires and can lead to putting other things before God. God is clear in the First Commandment, “You shall have no other gods before me.” Are we ever guilty of coveting others blessings? When we put God first, God will bless us according to his will.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to always put you first in our lives and be thankful for the blessings you provide, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Today’s devotion was written by Steven King, Pastor of Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lincolnton, NC.
• Archive of NALC Devotions • Original image • Click any of our Scripture graphics to enlarge and save for use in bulletins, newsletters, blogs, and websites.
As the old saying goes, “the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.” Our problem is that we just don’t tend to our yard the same as our neighbors. If you want to have greener grass, fertilize it and care for it. If we forget the basic steps of caring for our faith, fertilize it with the Word of God.