August 6

Out of the blue we are told the story of Jonadab and his sons. His sons obeyed him – period. It doesn’t really matter what they obeyed, but that they obeyed. (Although what they obeyed was NOT unrighteous, which I think was important). God is now asking why His people couldn’t do the same. This speaks to me about my ability to obey and to obey is better than sacrifice (and going to church).

Often times in ministry I wonder about the capacity of people to actually choose what is right. The toxicity of their past seems to so pollute them that they can’t choose correctly. I think there is some truth in that, however it is clear to me that God holds people accountable for obedience and therefore we can obey if we choose. Therefore my proclivities to do things because of the way I was raised or because of things that happened TO me only make obedience harder not impossible. I have the power to choose righteousness and when I don’t I am without excuse even though in my humanity I can understand the reason I didn’t. In addition, when I am so bound by sin that I myself chose to embrace, that was my choosing and therefore my responsibility.

Lord, don’t let me ever excuse myself from responsibility for any reason. I know you have freed me to live righteous before you – and I am FREE! Don’t let me be deceived to think I am not.