Numbers 35-36; Mark 6:30-56
When we strive to love like Christ loved, we need to have Him in the center of our hearts. The Bible is filled with insight to God's heart and His ways. There is much to be learned about Him and how He works. Today, we'll look at just a few of God's characteristics and what is important to Him.
We can learn from the final couple chapters of Numbers as to some of the things God values. We have a God of justice and a God Who values life, and the sanctity of it. Laws were made to give people fair trials and judgements if someone was murdered. God wanted a chance for those who mistakenly killed someone to have a chance at living before others jumped to conclusions and avenged in the murderer's murder. God wants justice, but He does not want us to seek revenge. Refuges were set aside for those who unintentionally killed someone.
On the flip side of this, God wanted justice for those who purposely killed someone. God cares about lives, and it is very evident throughout His entire Word. He molded us. He planned for us. He cares for us. Even before we were born. When is life is taken, God wants justice to be served. While culture continues to change, God's heart does not. All lives must be justified and protected. This does not mean we as humans are to seek revenge. That is justice are two different things.
Jesus showed the disciples the importance of seeking quiet time with His Father. Jesus set an example and led them off to be by themselves. Seeking a quiet time is most definitely a necessity of growing in Christ. We can learn so much by being in tune with God on a daily basis and following His ways throughout this life will show us much about Him. Seek that time fervently each and every day, as it is a time to be treasured.
We can see the compassion that Jesus pours out on the hungry crowd of 5,000, yet Jesus empowers His disciples to feed them. While Jesus worked the miracle in bringing enough food for the crowds, He allowed the disciples to ponder it and work to gather what there was. The people contributed what they had. God wants to empower us and use what we have to share His love and feed people around us - physically and spiritually. We are valuable assets to sharing Him and His Good News and He values us enough to entrust us with His mission.
When we spend that time getting to know Christ and what His heart is about, we can face all sorts of waves and uphill battles. As the disciples battled the waves and the wind, they saw Jesus walking on the water and thought He was a ghost. Yet as soon as Jesus hopped in the boat, the wind settled and the waves died down. If we can truly learn God's voice and way, we can easily recognize His place in our lives and allow Him to settle our waves and achieve those uphill battles. We just need to realize Who He is and know that He is for us.
It is so essential to know God's heart and the value He places on you. Spending time in His Word, in prayer, in listening for Him throughout our everyday lives, and knowing His ways is what we need to strive for. Knowing Him and His passions will guide you in this world as you try and navigate through its ever-changing culture and values. Remember that He is a never-changing God. Seek His heart and fill yours with Him.
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