I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the Lord; The humble will hear it and rejoice. O magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:1-4, NASB)
Psalm 34 has become one of my favorites among the Psalms. The reason is the song below (Is that backwards? Does it matter?) Two of my Air Force Academy classmates, Joe Shirey and Roy Mattson, sent me the link to the song on separate occasions. It was already in my mix of YouTube songs, but I appreciate my classmates’ sharing it with me. That means so much! The title of this Psalm is “The Lord, a Provider and Deliverer.” David wrote this Psalm (one of many) as he was evading capture and execution at the hands of King Saul. There’s a lot more to the Psalm than these four verses. I recommend you read the whole thing (and listen to the song!). David calls us to “praise the Lord at all times.” While sitting on my bed with my ALS, I ponder this a lot, and I take every opportunity I can to praise God. I praise Him when I wake up in the morning; when Sue comes in my room in the morning; when we talk to our kids on the phone; when I hear from friends or family via email or text message; when people visit. Sometimes I wish I could raise my hands in praise, but I’m unable. Praise the Lord anyway!
Psalm 34:1, found at DailyVerses.net
He is my Deliverer! I’ve found that trusting in God truly does deliver me from all my fears. I’m secure in my future because of the promises from my Deliverer. His mercies and blessings are new every day. Is He your Deliverer? Have you accepted God’s gift of Jesus?
Worship: “Psalm 34,” The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
I was watching this video of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir one day with Joe Shirey. His comment: “I think this is what heaven will be like.” I concur! Praise the Lord!
On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent. When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people, if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by this name this man stands here before you in good health. He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:5-12, NASB)
In Acts 4, Dr. Luke continues the story of the growth of Christ’s Church. It’s after Pentecost, and the number of followers of Jesus is about to explode (It’s God’s plan!). Peter and John had gone to the Temple. At one of the gates they had encountered a crippled beggar. Instead of giving him money, Peter healed him in the mighty name of Jesus. The crowds were amazed, at which point Peter launched into a sermon. He told the throng that healing was not by him, but through him because of Jesus. He further used the prophets to prove that Jesus Christ is the long-promised Messiah.
There were two results of Peter’s sermon: The first was that about 5,000 people believed and were saved that day. (verse 4) The second was Peter and John were arrested and detained by the Temple authorities. This text above details their “trial” the following day.
I love Peter’s story. He was so ashamed after denying Jesus following His arrest. And this after Jesus had told him it would happen. Indeed, Jesus spent some time rehabilitating Peter and building him back up after His resurrection. And here, early in the book of Acts, Peter is boldly stepping up to lead and preach Jesus!
In the text, the Temple leadership gathers the next day to interrogate Peter and John. They demand to know by what authority or name the two apostles had been acting. Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, lets them know (well, they asked!)! The lame man had been healed, and was indeed now walking, by the name of Jesus! In the climactic statement of his delivery, Peter lets the priests and and scribes know that at the name of Jesus, “there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
We as people have a problem: We’re all sinners. There has to be a way to be reconciled with God. The Bible says that there is no good deed or deeds we can do to earn our way into God’s good graces. This problem is well-illustrated by a diagram I’ve seen many times in Bible study and Sunday School.
The Bridge to God, found at Christ Community Church, ccclife.org
There is a chasm. On one side is God, on the other is us people. There is no way for us to cross the chasm to get to God. The teacher or facilitator then draws a cross, as a bridge to span the divide. Jesus hung on the cross as the only acceptable sacrifice for us to have a relationship with Him. The Bible says that God loves us so much He sent His Son for us. That’s why Peter told his interrogators there was “no other name” for salvation. Jesus Himself said that He is “the way, the truth, and the life.” THE way! Have you trusted in His name to get across the great divide?
Worship: “The Great Divide,” by Point of Grace I love this song and its words. Near the end, the chorus flips words from “There’s a bridge to cross the great divide,” to “There’s a cross to bridge the great divide.”
An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life . . . Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: “Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. (Proverbs 31:10-12, 28-30, NASB) Proverbs 31 is attributed to King Lemuel. Many Bible scholars think Lemuel is actually King Solomon. If that’s true, then the wisest man who ever lived wrote an accurate description of my wonderful bride, Sue!
Several years ago I did a Proverbs 31 devotional. The idea is thus: There are 31 days in most months, and 31 chapters in Proverbs. Read a chapter of Proverbs every day corresponding to that day’s date. Do that every month for a year, and you get to know Proverbs pretty well! I loved the last day of the month, as I got to read about Sue!
This chapter of Proverbs is divided into two parts. The first part is the author’s mother giving him advice on how to rule his kingdom. If Lemuel is Solomon, then his mother is Bathsheba. Interesting! The second portion is titled “Description of a Worthy Woman.” My woman is indeed a “Proverbs 31 woman!”
In the text above, Solomon describes the excellent wife: She is valuable; a great partner of her husband; she is good for her man. There is a break in this text with more detail (see verses 13-27): The excellent wife is described as industrious; diligent; involved; tireless; generous; thrifty; strong; selfless; dignified; wise; and kind. And finally, rejoining the text, she is blessed and praised by her family. She excels in all she does. That’s my Sue!
There is one description of the excellent wife that troubles me. Ladies, I’d like a word with the men here, so please skip to the next paragraph. OK, men, I’ve proven over the years, and painfully, that I know nothing about women. But in verse 14, the wisest man who ever lived describes his wife like so: “She is like merchant ships.” Now contextually, that may have been a compliment in ancient Israel, but my advice to you fellas is, “Don’t compare your lady to a cargo ship!” Even I know better!
OK ladies, welcome back!
In my current state, with ALS, there is nothing I can do. I can’t move, I can’t speak. Sue has to do everything for me. She takes excellent care of me. We have an excellent nurse, Meghan, who’s with us three days a week during the day, and an outstanding physical therapist, Joe, who visits twice a week to give me a workout. Other than that, we’re on our own. Sue does the work of a nurse, a physical therapist, a respiratory therapist. She’s an operator, a planner, and a logistician. She’s a heavy equipment operator. In short, she’s a Jill-of-all-trades. She excels at them all! Men are called to love their wives as Christ loves the church. How much is that? It’s an infinite, perfect love. We’re not capable of that, but we’re supposed to try. How can I do that while laid up in bed, unable to move? By being as considerate as possible. By separating “needs” from “wants,” and not being excessively demanding. By showing my appreciation for everything she does. Her work is physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. But she excels at it all. God blessed me with an excellent, Godly woman!
I miss little things in our lives. I miss being out with her, holding her hand while we walked. I loved having her on my arm, showing her off. I miss bringing her coffee first thing in the morning. I used to make her coffee and bring it to her. She said it was the best coffee, and I don’t (or didn’t!) drink coffee. I wonder if I’ll be able to serve her coffee in heaven, in the New Jerusalem?
“The Wedding Supper of the Lamb” found at logos ministries.org
The Bible has images and comparisons using marriage. The Church is called the Bride of Christ. Revelation 19 describes the future Wedding Supper of the Lamb. That’s one reception I look forward to attending someday with my bride. She’s my sweetheart, my wife, my best friend! Most important of all, she’s my Sister in Christ!
“Faithful Friend,” by Twila Paris and Stephen Curtis Chapman
This weekend was the 45th reunion of my class at the United States Air Force Academy, the Class of 1976. Due to my ALS, I was not able to attend. Part of the reunion activities include a memorial service to honor our fallen classmates. On June 2, 1976, 913 of us graduated and began careers as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force. Of these, 68 of our classmates are no longer with us.
Pete Kluck, one of my classmates, asked me to write an essay for him to read at the memorial. He wanted something from the perspective of someone who’s thought of end-of-life issues. Pete is one of my heroes of the faith. He left a promising Air Force career (he was an F-16 instructor pilot), called by God to other service. He has served for years with Wycliffe Bible Translators, making sure the Bible is available to all nations, tribes and tongues. He and Mary Ellen and their kids lived for many years in Cameroon. Heroes! Anyway, here’s what I sent to Pete:
There’s no place that Sue and I would rather be than with you all, my classmates, in Fairchild Hall, honoring our fallen classmates. But as we’ve learned in the past few years, life’s plans sometimes take an unexpected detour. I pray for God’s comfort and strength for the families of our friends who are not with us. I’d like to especially remember our Grim Reaper friends, Kosta Asselanis and Rod Williams. About three-and-a-half years ago, I was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The words from my neurologist came as a shock to say the least! Until that moment, I had been under treatment for another neurological disorder that’s treatable and has a great cure rate. In this instant, the doctor had handed me a death sentence. Thoughts raced through my mind in the next few minutes: How much time do I have? How will I die? Will my time be drawn out and painful (old fighter pilot saying: I’m not afraid to die, I just don’t want it to hurt!)? Sue was in shock as well. We had plans: I would quit working in a couple more years. We would travel to places we haven’t seen. We would spend time visiting our grandchildren. Oh, and their parents, too. We would play lots of golf together and with friends. Suddenly, in a brief moment, all our plans had been dashed.
When I recovered from my initial shock, I realized that my faith had to take over. I believe that God’s plan takes precedence over mine. So whatever my plans, His are far better for me, and for His glory. Old Yiddish saying: We plan, and God laughs! It matters not what we would want to do, He will redirect us to fit His purpose. And that’s far better for us! h
Bennington Battle Flag flying at San Francisco City Hall
I redirected my Bible study over the next few weeks to seek answers to the question, “God, what do You want me to do with this ALS?” Surely as a weakened, paralyzed shell of what I used to be, I would be limited in my abilities. But as I studied, there seemed to be little or nothing that I couldn’t do. It was as if God was saying, “I still want you to do what I wanted you to do before!” And what would that be? For example, Jesus tells us the greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God; and the second is to love others as ourselves. Hmm. Love God, and love people. I can do this! Despite my lack of mobility, I can still love God and others. I can share God’s love with others. My mission field is different: Doctor’s offices, hospital, rehab center. In my condition, they often come to me: Doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists.
I don’t know why I came down with ALS. God does, He is in control, and His plan is far better than mine. While I wait for healing, or my departure from this earth, I seek to do God’s will. He loves us so much that He sent His Son for to die us. He has promised me everlasting life – not because I’ve been “good enough” or not because I’ve “suffered enough,” but because I have believed, received and trusted in the free gift that Jesus Christ paid for my sins — and that gives me great hope for tomorrow. Spirit of ’76! And God bless and keep you and your families!
“Lord Guard and Guide (The United States Air Force Hymn),” performed by the United States Air Force Singing Sergeants
Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son, and he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” And he said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together. Then they came to the place of which God had told him; and Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood, and bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son. Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide, as it is said to this day, “In the mount of the Lord it will be provided.” (Genesis 22:6-14, NASB)
I love this story of the near-sacrifice by Abraham of his son, Isaac. The parallels with the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ are interesting!
At the outset of Genesis 22, we’re told that God would test Abraham. (v. 1) God tells Abraham to take Isaac to the land of Moriah, and offer him up as a burnt offering to the Lord. (v. 2) When arriving near the site, Abraham instructs two of his assistants to remain in place while he and Isaac go to worship, and they would then return. (v. 5) In the passage above, Isaac carries the wood for the sacrifice, and wonders where is the lamb for the sacrifice, to which his father replies that God would provide the lamb. Abraham binds his son to the alter, and is about to slaughter Isaac, when the angel of the Lord intervenes, telling Abraham not to kill his son. Nearby, a ram is caught in a thicket, and provides a substitute sacrifice in place of Isaac.
Abraham and Isaac, by Anthony van Dyck, ca. 1617. Found at commons.wikimedia.org The parallels between Jesus and Isaac are interesting. Abraham was asked to do what God later did: They each offered their son/Son for a sacrifice. Isaac carried the wood up the mountain on which he would be bound; Jesus carried a wooden cross up the slope of Calvary to which He would be bound. We’re not told of Isaac’s reaction when his father was about to kill him, but he didn’t seem to have put up a struggle; Jesus went to the cross willingly, and He did so for you and for me. Abraham was told to take his son to the land of Moriah; it was on Mount Moriah that King David purchased the site on which his son, King Solomon, would build the Temple, which was in sight of Calvary, where Jesus was sacrificed.
Another aspect of this story is Abraham’s faith. He told his men that when done worshiping, he and Isaac would return. In answer to Isaac’s question as they were hiking up the mountain, his father replied that God would provide the lamb. God had told Abraham that He would establish a great nation by Abraham, and that it would be accomplished through Isaac. If that was to be true, then how was it that Isaac would die that day? Abraham had complete faith in the Lord; he knew he could trust God’s word! His son would indeed live!
God provided the lamb that day. On another day in the future, He would provide another Lamb, Who would take away the sins of the world! The Bible says that Abraham named the site where the story took place “The Lord Will Provide.” Hence one of the descriptive names of God, “Jehovah Jirah,” or “Yahweh Yireh.” These translate to “the God Who sees,” or “the God Who provides.”
Our Lord God is the Provider. Have you called on His name?
Worship: “God Will Provide a Lamb,” by Michael Card
“Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, NASB)
This text from the book of Deuteronomy is the beginning of the “Shema.” It’s recited by Jewish people at the beginning of morning and evening prayers. According to myjewishlearning.com, the Shema is “the quintessential Jewish statement of faith.” It expresses the oneness of God, and reverence for His kingship. The passage above is the first paragraph of the Shema. The remaining two paragraphs are from Deuteronomy 11:13-21 and Numbers 15:37-41. The title “Shema” comes from the first word, which translates as “hear.” The idea is more than just hearing, it’s hearing and then doing! It’s about the follow-through. Over the years, Sue would tell me something, then later tell me that I wasn’t listening. It has taken me years to understand that she really meant “you didn’t do” what she said!
Here is the phonetic Hebrew of the first two sentences: “She-ma yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai echad.” Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! (v. 4) The next verse is the emphasis on loving God, what Jesus called the greatest commandment! For the remainder of this text Moses is teaching God’s people to teach these words to their children; to talk about them all the time, when they wake up and go to bed; to wear them on their wrist and forehead (many Jewish people wear philactories, little boxes with these verses, strapped to their arm and forehead when they pray); and to put them on their door post (many Jewish people have mezuzahs at their front doors).
Mezuzah affixed to a door frame on South Street in Philadelphia, found at Wikipedia.com
I try to recite the first couple of verses of the Shema in the morning for my prayers, and then I personalize it: “She-ma yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai echad. O Lord, You are my God! I will love You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and with all my soul, and with all my might!” When I pray the Shema, it helps me to remember what Jesus taught us: To love God, and love other people!
Worship: “Shema A Prayer for Israel “, by Misha Goetz and Shae Wilbur
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. (Isaiah 40:28-31, NASB)
I must confess that I’m weary. I’ve never been so tired. Tomorrow I’ll probably be more so. The nature of my disease is one of progressive muscular deterioration (to the point of failure), and constant fatigue. Sometimes I’m too tired at night to let Sue brush my teeth! When I was first diagnosed with ALS, Sue and I researched the proper diet to use: High fat and high protein! The reason is that a person with Lou Gehrig’s Disease has to exert far more energy to move muscles than everyone else. Once the muscle fails, it’s done. As I write this, I can move my mouth (jaw), my tongue, my eyelids, and my eyeballs. The diet (pretty much whatever I wanted; Sue made it, and eventually fed it to me when my arms failed) was fun while it lasted. In time, it became difficult, then impossible to eat, as my epiglottis (a muscle) could no longer keep food from aspirating into my lungs, and my jaw would wear out from chewing. The passage from Isaiah says that they who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. I ponder that a lot. As part of my prayers in the morning, I ask God for strength to do what He wants me to do that day. As I wait for Him to heal me (God will do this if He wishes!), I lean on Him for whatever strength He can send my way.
Isaiah 40:31, found at worldwidechristianministries.org Our Granddaughter, Colleen Cooper (one of our 12 precious Grandchildren), now 10 years old, was born with cerebral palsy. So far, she has never walked, never taken a step unaided. We used to have wheelchair races when she visited, and she always beat me, even though my chair is motorized! In heaven, in the New Jerusalem, where there will be no more sorrow, and no more pain, Colleen and I will run together. Not only that, but we will run and not get tired; we will walk and not become weary! I look forward to that day! The Lord is my strength!
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1, NASB)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. (John 1:1-2, NASB)
I love the Creation story. It gives me hope because of the promises in the Bible from the Creator!
I’m reminded of the story told by a sports journalist (I don’t remember who) about his journey to faith in Jesus. As a boy, he loved sports (as most boys do), and was bored and restless sitting in church (as most boys are). But one day the words from the pastor woke him up, and started him on the road to faith.
What the pastor said: “In the beginning . . . “
What the young man heard: “In the big inning . . . “
Consider all that God created: Look to the heavens. Astronomers tell us there are billions and billions of stars, most of which we can’t even see. Yet the Bible says that God knows each one by name! The same Creator constructed you and me with the same loving detail as those stars. And he knows each of our names, has numbered the hairs on our heads, and has numbered the days of our mortal lives here on earth. The Apostle John wrote that Jesus (the Word) was in on the Creation. He goes on to say that nothing was created without His input. He is Lord of all!
I’m in awe that the Father, who created everything we see, and beyond all that we can see, should have regard for little ol’ me! He made me, He knew I’d be a sinner, and yet He made a way for me to have fellowship with Him, despite my flaws. The Bible says that God loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us. All we have to do is believe in the Son and accept this precious Gift, and we will have everlasting life! Communion with the Lord in heaven for eternity! As I said, I’m in awe!
My hope is in the name of the Lord, Who has promised eternal life for those who call upon His name! I have ALS. As I sit on my bed pondering all this I understand the number of my days is not as many as I’d originally thought. But God is in control. He’s got this! I stand on His promises! Have you called on His name?
How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit! I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah. You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. (Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 7-8, NASB)
The title of Psalm 32 is “Blessedness of Forgiveness and of Trust in God.” Indeed, if one is sure that he/she is forgiven, then that is cause for true joy. How can we know for certain that we’re forgiven? The Bible says that if we’ve received the gift from God of His Son Jesus Christ, then we are forgiven. Jesus was crucified as a sacrifice acceptable to God the Father, and through His death He took the punishment we deserve!
The first few lines of the Psalm repeat that the one who’s forgiven is blessed, and is also blameless before the Lord. King David, who elsewhere is described as wholehearted for God, is an excellent example of the blessed man. The Old Testament is full of instances where he messed up (adultery, murder, defying God’s commandments,etc.). But in those cases, he confessed his sins to God, paid the consequences, and was forgiven.
David goes on to call the Lord “my hiding place,” and God answers that He will teach David “in the way you should go,” and that He would be watching out for David! I myself would dare to add that “Blessed is the one who is sheltered by the Lord, and receives His teaching!”
Excerpt from Psalm 32,found at mothersforprodigals.com Actually, that is exactly what happens! God provides a hiding place to those who seek Him. I think of a shield; protection; a fortress; a shelter from whatever storm I face; or to borrow a phrase from today’s college kids, a “safe space.” Yes, God is the ultimate safe space! He is also the best teacher. He instructs me daily – – when I allow Him. You see, I’m my own worst enemy. God is available for instruction, but my daily prayer is that I don’t hinder the Holy Spirit from teaching me what He would that I learn. Even with my ALS, I can still do Bible study, and “listen!” for God’s instruction!
For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth . . . Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments . . . (Deuteronomy 7:6, 9, NASB)
Through much of the book of Deuteronomy, Moses reviews with the Israelites their escape from slavery in Egypt, God’s commandments to them, and their future responsibilities as a nation. This includes a reiteration of the Ten Commandments, as well as the many other commandments that God passed on to Moses (scholars have counted 613 commandments in the Old Testament).
Moses Receives the Ten Commandments, artist unknown. Found at My Jewish Learning, myjewishlearning.com
Moses is an excellent role model for leadership. Here at the east bank of the River Jordan, as the Hebrews prepare to cross into the Promised Land, he is still teaching the people the precepts of God. This despite the Lord having told him he would not be crossing over with the people he had led for the past 40 years. He must want to make sure everything will be in order before his change-of-command with Joshua!
Here in Chapter 7, Moses reminds the people of their special status in God’s eyes. God has given them favor as His people. They must not waste time worshiping useless idols. They must instead love and worship the Lord and keep His commandments. To do so would result in blessings for generations to come. To ignore, and to hate the Lord, would reap destruction on them.
We know that over time the people forgot God. It’s easy to criticize the Israelites for falling away and not heeding Moses’ teaching. But one of the messages of the Bible is that had we been there we would’ve done the same. In fact, most of us do the same today, not loving the Lord as we should, not doing what He wants us to do. We should study these instances in the Bible, learn from them, and apply them to our own lives.
If you’re a follower of Jesus, then “you are are a holy people to the Lord your God.” You are sanctified, set apart for God’s purposes and for His glory. The text reminds us that God will keep His promises to those who love Him. We can prove we love Him by keeping His commandments. He has promised us the hope of eternal life by accepting His gift of the Lord Jesus. Where do you stand?
