READING: Leviticus 26-27, Mark 4:21-41
Today I’m reminded that God blesses obedience and judges disobedience. I’m particularly struck by God’s judging His people if they choose not to obey Him. That truth resounds through much of today’s reading, although the reading also reminds us that God is gracious; He will restore His people out of bondage when they repent—He will “remember [His] covenant with Jacob” (Lev. 26:42).
More specifically, these are the words that most grab my attention: “I will break down your strong pride” (Lev. 26:19). The people would live in rebellion and arrogance, but God would bring their pride low when He judged them (particularly, in this case, by drying up the heavens and withholding rain). Pride is such a sly cheat, invading our heart even while we claim not to be prideful. It leads us to think we can set our own rules and live according to our own desires. It causes us to assume that if I get away with sin today, I will get away with it tomorrow. It ignores the possibility of judgment.
And, it nevertheless brings God’s wrath on us. He will do whatever is required to break us of our pride so that He alone gets the glory through our lives.
PRAYER: “God, break me of my pride. Free me from its power.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Numbers 1, Mark 5:1-20