ONE THING
This Saturday is the Hebrew Shabbat (Sabbath) and the Torah reading that all Jews will be reading around the world is from Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19. It is called Ki Tetse, meaning ‘When you go out’ which are the word beginning this Shabbat Torah reading. This reading is full of does and don’ts that are part of the 613 laws the Jewish people are to keep.
When Jesus had a visit from the Pharisees, as recorded in Matthew 22, they tried to pin Him down as to the most important law of the 613. His answer was, “Jesus said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important and first of any on the list. But there is a second to set alongside it’; ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs: everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hands on them.” (Message Bible)
David fulfilled that royal command, recording his desire as found in Psalm 27, “One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple.” He was not perfect, but he worshiped an awesome God, who is worthy of praise.
We are in the midst of the extensive cleanup from Hurricane and Tropical Storm Harvey. People all over the world are amazed that they are seeing everyone helping everyone, no stories of looting, rioting or complaining. There are no racial divisions, no political barriers, no denominational problems. All those labels are down and people are being treated with respect and honor. I think the Lord is pleased with this outcome to tragedy. Whenever I see people on the news giving a report, they are giving praise to God and very grateful.
It is not over yet, there will be several stages of grief involved with loss. Please keep Texas and Louisiana in your prayers. Texas is known for their pride, but this is a very humbling experience. These are the days of Teshuvah, may our nation turn back to God.
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