We Can’t Give What We Don’t Possess…..

Reading God’s word has its place in our lives. Setting aside the fact that it’s spiritual food to nourish our souls, it’s a daily practice. Why? Here in Deuteronomy 17 we get a small glimpse into the “why” when we read the guidelines for a king. The king was to copy onto a scroll the body of instruction. He was to keep a copy with him. He was to read it every day. It’s purpose was to “prevent him from becoming proud”, and to obstruct him from acting “above his fellow citizens”. And to “prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way”. As long as he obeyed God’s commands, his descendants would reign for generations in Israel. I think this same principle applies to us when it comes to reading our Bible. Humility, love, and obedience all start with a daily dose of God’s word. Reading scripture on a daily basis is for our good. It pleases God, while giving us a clear perspective on His purposes for us. It sets our spiritual thermostat, inviting in the Holy Spirit, making room for His guidance and empowerment. It helps turn our focus onto the things that really matter. Get into the word daily, and the word will get into you. It’s that important. You can’t give what you don’t possess.

18 “When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. 19 He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees. 20 This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel. Deuteronomy 17:18-20