Sometimes a book is mentioned in conversation, and someone responds, “I love that author.” Such is the noting of someone who writes in a style that draws them in and writes in a way that is enjoyable to read. Now, there is reading for relaxation and reading for the realization of what is most significant to consider. When it comes to the most important aspects of our life, who is the author most loved? As we consider to whom we listen to the most and strive to please, is it not those whom we love the most? That being the case, to whom is our heart drawing our ear.
In the second giving of the law — as the nation of Israel was reminded of God’s commands prior to entrance into the land of Caanan — among the urgings toward faithfulness we read. . .
“(1) If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, (2) and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ (3) you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 13:1-3 ESV)
Even if the sign came to pass, no other gods were to be turned to. Love for God was to keep the whole life drawn toward Him alone.
Someone has said “Love for the Author of the Bible is the best preparation for reading the Bible.” (source: list of sentence sermons) To truly love God is to be attentive to His Word and Will for our life. Such would be a love that has come to understand God always has our best in mind. Knowing the Scriptures are from God should draw our deepest interest to the message He has lovingly preserved for us to read and by which to be guided. Do we love Him in this manner? Do we know Him in this way?
John exhorted his readers. . .
“(4) Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, (5) but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: (6) whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” (1 John 2:4-6 ESV)
Is the love of God being perfected in us? As we consider the word “heart”, notice that “ear” is right there in the middle of it. May the connection of heart and ear be based on a sincere love for God as the Author of life and the provider of hope for it eternally!
Have a great day DRAWN TO LOVINGLY READ AND HEED GOD’S WORD!
Carl
