"Better than Gold" February 6 Readings: Exodus 27-28, Matthew 23:12–39, Psalm 19:7–14, Proverbs 4:13-19

Today's Readings - Exodus 27-28, Matthew 23:12–39, Psalm 19:7–14, Proverbs 4:13-19

Devotional - Better than Gold

I just entered the HGTV Dream Home Sweepstakes - again. This one is in far north Montana - a ski resort. I really wanted the one in Vermont a couple of years ago, and there have been Green Homes and Smart Homes all over the country that I have entered to win. It would be so cool to have someone show up at my door with the keys to a Dream Home, or a big check (from whoever took over at PCH from Ed McMahon) or something like that. Hope springs eternal...

But the Bible makes something clear that we often forget. True riches do not have a price tag. Those things that really matter are not the material things of this world - houses (even Dream Houses), cars, boats, jewelry or anything else. Proverbs is filled with assertions that its principles are more valuable than silver and gold. 

But in Psalm 19:10 David states clearly that there is something in this world more valuable than anything money can buy. 

More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
    and drippings of the honeycomb.

Will you admit something? Gold is pretty desirable and honey is very sweet (and tasty). David admits this. He is just claiming that there is something that is more desirable than abundant gold and sweeter than honey right out of the comb. To what does he refer?

The Word of God!

In Psalm 19:1-6, David speaks of the glory of God seen in creation. Through the world God made we can see his awesome power, wisdom, and strength. God spoke and it came to be. I've been on top of mountains and I've gone scuba diving deep in the ocean. God's world is a wonder. 

But in verse 7, David turns his attention to the greater revelation of God. The world tells us a little about God, but the Bible reveals everything we can know about God. Of course, David referred to that part of the Word that he had at the time - the Law. He used several synonyms for the Law in succeeding verses. Testimony. Precepts. Commandments. Rules. He describes how they bless the lives of those who hear them. 

The law of the Lord is perfect, 
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
⁸ the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
⁹ the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether.

The best thing you can receive in this world is an understanding of God's Word. When you inculcate its principles into your life, it is better than winning the HGTV Dream Home Sweepstakes!  

Father, forgive me for those times that I have ignored your precious and powerful Word. When I have obeyed your words I have been blessed. I thank you for revealing Yourself in the pages of the Bible. May I gain life's greatest treasure - the knowledge of you through your Word. 

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

Is your life focused on the riches and treasures of God's word?
Do truly believe that God and his word are what is right and pure and good - enough to found your life on it?