Deuteronomy 17 - Steve Wiggins Daily Devotional

“When seated on His royal throne he (the king) is to write a copy of this instruction (Torah) for himself on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. It is to remain with him, and he is to read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the L_rd his G_d, to observe all the words of this instruction, and to do these statutes. Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen, he will not turn from this command to the right or left, and he and his sons will continue ruling many years over Israel.” Deuteronomy 17 18-20

What kind of parent do you want to be? For many of you, your response to that question is probably, “Dude, I’m just out of high school!”

Perhaps that question means nothing to you, but it should…inasmuch as 7th grade algebra winds-up meaning a whole lot to a rocket scientist. If you never dream of being a rocket scientist as a youth, you’ll never be faithful to travel the adult path that leads to NASA.

Likewise, if you want to be considered a patriarch when you’re old, want to see holiness passed-down throughout your generations, you have to be diligent to seek the L_rd today.

The L_rd commanded Israel’s kings write their own copy of the Torah, by their own hand, under the supervision & scrutiny of the Levites.

Recent scientific studies have discovered people remember roughly 25% of what they hear, 50% of what they see & hear, and 75% of what they interact with. Of course, G_d has known that all along! That’s why the L_rd wanted His kings to not simply read the Bible, or have it recited (to them) by experts. He wanted them to interact with it unceasingly…as if it came from their own hand & heart.

As co-inheritors with Messiah, we must train-up ourselves, as any royal should. We should take upon ourselves the spiritual posture that understands we might be called to “assume the throne”, at any moment. We’ll never solely rule “The Kingdom”, but G_d will give positions of authority in it, for those who prove diligent.

Sadly, most Messiah followers will never read the Bible…much less HAND WRITE their own copy! I hope this passage acts as a challenge for us to go deeper into G_d’s word.

Let’s encourage one another to know G_d’s Word and to live-up to the character of the Name we have inherited!

Blessings,
~Steve Wiggins, Associate Leader, Worship Leader
Shuvah Yisrael
Daily Devotional, Sunday, June 29, 2014