Measure Your Mind

Exodus 23:1-8, Deuteronomy 1:9–18, 16:19-20, 19:15–21, 24:17-18, 25:1–3
 
Deuteronomy 17:18-20 “When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. 19 He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees.  20 This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel.”
 
AS we periodically note, God is a Planner. He acts at particular times to prepare his people Israel for circumstances they will encounter even centuries into the future. Here, he plans for the time Israel will want an earthly king. Remember, Israel is a theocracy. God was their governing King at this point in their history. Even more, God was their entire government. But the LORD knew that one day his citizens would desire to replace him with a monarchy. Even though he doesn’t want them to make such a change so deadly to their covenant relationship with him, the LORD tells them what their king must do. He is the patient Father resigned to a child’s harmful decision.
   Still I AM points his people to himself. The king’s main task is very straightforward, isn’t it? The king of Israel must surround himself with the King of Heaven’s law. He is to first write it under the Levitical priests’ watchful eyes. Not only is this a very good way to learn, God is saying his priests still have the ultimate authority of his Word in Israel. No earthly king can be above God’s true law and those who guide its enforcement.
   Then the king is to daily read what he wrote. He must fill his mind, heart and soul with God’s law. This is the only way Israel’s kings will be able to withstand temptation and pride. Kings and queens are human. Their first desires will center around their own vain power if they do not desire God.  
   This is an obvious lesson for each of us. God has given us authority to rule in our family, his church and our communities. How marvelous it would be for each of us earthly “rulers” to have time each day writing, reading and measuring our minds in line with the King’s sovereign will.