Shepherd Daily Devotional – He Owns Everything – Part 2

Written By Ben Dankaka

Meditation – Mark 12: 28

Just as God rejected the Hittites and six other nations for their abominable ways, God also rejected the Israelites for the same reason. Just as God ejected the mighty kingdoms and gave their lands to Israel, He also ejected the Israelites from their land after they followed the evil ways of other nations. Know that God isn’t partial. He didn’t eject other nations and gave their lands to Israel because He wanted to please the Israelites. As Moses reminded the Israelites of God’s faithfulness, he said, “It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations….” (Deuteronomy 9:5) The word, “wickedness” in the context of that statement implies idolatry. All of the seven nations that God drove out of their lands were idol worshipers.

Clearly, God is unhappy with anyone who disregards Him. When you idolize or worship anything or anyone other than God, your relationship with Him is broken. It doesn’t matter who you are, whether you are saved or not, if you don’t put God first in everything you do, God isn’t going to be pleased with you. Even if He has already blessed you in so many ways, God will break up His relationship with you the moment you put anyone above Him. As a leader, recognize that putting God first is the key to success in every endeavor. Remember, the Ten Commandments begin with a warning against idolatry. One time, when a lawyer wanted to know the most important commandment, Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Put God first and He will always be with you.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I want to serve you forever. Amen.

REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: Deuteronomy 9:5-6; Exodus 20:1-5; Mark 12:28

Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.