Meet with God, Part 6

“When he sits on his royal throne he must make a copy of this law on a scroll given to him by the Levitical priests. It must be with him constantly, and he must read it as long as he lives, so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and observe all the words of this law and these statutes and carry them out.” –Deuteronomy 17:18-19, NET

I find it fascinating that long before there would be a monarch over Israel, God foretold that the people would desire a king “like all the nations” (Deu 17:14)—ultimately a rejection of God as their king (1Sa 8:7). Yet the LORD graciously provides limits to their military might and marriages. Then he tells them they must “make a copy of this law,” the Torah (the first five books of the Bible), and meditate upon it “day and night.”

Have we not all been created to rule (Gen 1:26)—not independent from God, but utterly dependent upon His word (Mat 4:4). Parents have been given dominion over their children for a time, and so they are to teach them to fear and obey the LORD, seeing how He is instrumental at all points in life (Deu 6:6-9). For if we truly love those in our care, would we not want the next generation to experience the same blessings we enjoyed under the LORD’s rule (Deu 8). For blessed is the one “who finds pleasure in obeying the LORD’s commands,” “chewing on the scriptures day and night” (Psa 1:2, NET/MSG).

Now consider the other areas where we have been granted authority as rulers, regardless of the territorial size and number. If we are truly honest with ourselves, we do not even know what is best for ourselves, for we don’t know what the next breath will bring (Jam 4:14). How much less do we understand what others need. Therefore, we should all be making the same request of God that Solomon made: “Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil,” (1 Kings 3:9b, MSG).

And how do we acquire such a thing?

Do as instructed. Meet with God before His word—"constantly.” Don’t just read it. Write it. Memorize it. Let it always be on your lips, walking in step with God’s presence as you rule the earth and subdue it to His glory.