Put God First
BRD REFLECTIONS:
2 Kings 1:1-18 and Psalm 93 (NIV)
( Tony Tng – Steward)
READ:
OBSERVE:
Northern Israel under the rule of Ahab was militarily and economically rich but spiritually poor. Ahad and his son, Ahaziah, worshipped Baal and forsook the one true God of Israel. After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled. Just when things were getting messy, Ahaziah injured himself. As quick as the fall from the upper room, Ahaziah turned to consult the god of Ekron instead of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Even though Ahaziah had forgotten about the God of his ancestors, God did not. He sent His prophet, Elijah, to remind Ahaziah that the God of Israel was still around. God proclaimed judgement on Ahaziah for his faithlessness. He reigned over Israel for only 2 years.
APPLY:
A couple of weeks ago, I was discussing with a few friends the story of the Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7:24-30. I asked if we would bring to God our every concern. Everyone agreed that they would bring to God the “big things” and two of my friends confessed that they would not trouble God for “little things”. After an interesting discussion, my friends and I concluded that::
- It is important for our hearts to be in the right place with God. It will reflect our identity in Christ.
- If the posture of our hearts is in the right place, our trust and obedience in God would be complete.
- If we cannot trust God with our “little things”, it would be difficult to trust God with the “big things” no matter how much we try.
- God is bigger than we think. Never decide for God what He wants to do. Don’t box God in our own boundaries.
The Syrophoenician woman’s faith contrasts with Ahaziah’s rebellious heart. What God loves is my contrite heart which will seek Him first with all things, including those that are “little”.
DO:
I confess that I do, at times, try to solve the “little things” on my own. I must remember that God is bigger than I think and He must be the first one I go to with all my concerns.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, the Creator of all things above, on earth and under the sea, You are mightier than I can ever imagine. Forgive me if I have not trusted You in everything. Lead me to see Your mighty acts and allow me to come to You with all my concerns. I believe that You can and will deliver me; help my unbelief. In Christ’s name I pray.
