Nougat 20

Dear siblings

I’m experiencing some serious internet challenges and may need to take a break for several days. Please pray for a prompt resolution as we continue our reflections. Here’s Today’s Holy Nougat

1 Kings 9:4-5 CEVDCI

[4] You must obey me, as your father David did, and be honest and fair. Obey my laws and teachings,

[5] and I will keep my promise to David that someone from your family will always be king of Israel.

Hearing God 3

Sometimes hearing God includes fine print. You know, the extra terms and conditions that we don’t wish to, or don’t necessarily see or hear. Fine print is most often associated with contracts or purchases, and the supplier is usually the one hiding information with added clauses that are often illegible or ignored. God’s fine print is different. Usually, we are not interested in hearing what God’s clearly stated expectations and plans are. Solomon received it all.

Self-Check

Are we the type who read the fine print? What does it say about our levels of trust and professionalism?

Application

In our reflection today, we see that the ‘fine print’ is important. As with the Children of Israel under Joshua’s leadership, God allowed Solomon to choose the path he would take. Here, we realise that God’s promise has clear conditions – obedience to God. And, in one sense, the fine print preceded the promise.

We see that the promise to infinitely extend Solomon’s personal lineage follows God’s expectations. Solomon was left with no doubt about God’s terms which were clearly articulated. He knew what obeying God meant, and if he had doubts – well; he had a direct line to God, or he could consult with the priests and prophets.

We also have a direct line to God that helps us with understanding and reading fine print, both in our spiritual and everyday lives. We can hear God clearly through God’s Word and we are blessed with Scripture to help us understand God’s expectations. One key promise we have is that God will neither leave nor forsake us (see Matthew 28:20) a promise repeated by Paul in Romans 8. Like Solomon, our task is simple: choose God and choose to obey God’s commands. Of course, it isn’t always easy to comply and that’s where God’s grace is fully abundant. For, if – like David in Psalm 51 – we confess our sin, God is just, and will forgive us. And that’s a promise in 1 John 1:9.

Hearing God’s promise to forgive is equally important to obedience. For, without forgiveness, we are a people without hope. Perhaps today that is a word for one of us. Or we may need to remind someone else.

Point to Ponder

God’s grace doesn’t mean we face no consequences for our sin, it means that there is still scope for eternity.

—

May all we seek be found in Christ