40 Days of PEACE

October 7th, 2021
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of PEACE
Day 29 | I SHALL ALSO GRANT PEACE | Leviticus 26:6
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I SHALL ALSO GRANT PEACE

Leviticus 26:6
“I shall also grant peace in the land so that you may lie down with no one making you tremble. I shall also eliminate harmful beasts from the land, and no sword will pass through your land.”

When we read the Bible and try to understand and apply it, it’s essential to keep the context in mind. For instance, these verses from Leviticus are reassuring… but the wise Bible reader might ask: What’s MY part in this?

These verses were spoken to God’s people along with a warning to His people… they were NOT to make idols and they were to beware of NOT keeping His commandments.  The Lord is promising BLESSINGS to an obedient Israel and CURSES (verses 14-17) to a disobedient Israel.

I’m reminded that when God has a “to-do” in the Bible for His children – Old Testament or New – doing as God says is always for HIS glory AND also always for OUR benefit.  

Where we miss it is when we get lazy or self-centered and start to think – like a two-year-old child might – “I know better.  I want to do it MY way!”

Throughout history, man has tried to “do it his way.” And the undesirable result has ALWAYS been the same.  
 
On occasion in a Bible study group or with an individual Christian, I’ll hear confirmation that the BEST times of life have been when the person was living within the Lord’s guidelines and instructions. Conversely, the roughest patches of life were when the person was in rebellion and sinful.

Consistent with the concept of the carrot and the stick (but way before the invention of psychology), God was using the same to motivate His people to do life HIS way for THEIR benefit.

Unfortunately, history seems to repeat itself, and many of God’s children today are still straying from His plan and forfeiting the PEACE He offers.

Prayer: LORD, I acknowledge that YOU know best. Teach me your ways, principles, and desires for how I should live and the decisions I should make.  Thank you, Amen.