Today Daily Devotional

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” — Matthew 8:3 Rules in Leviticus about skin diseases and rashes may not make for the most comfortable reading—especially if we are reading this at mealtime. And there is a lot more here about things that made an Israelite “clean” or “unclean.” This section of Leviticus includes all kinds of requirements about foods, bodily fluids, and sacrifices. These commands describe whether a person was fit for participating in worship as a part of God’s people.These laws didn’t necessarily say that a person had committed a sin, though. Rather, the person had come into contact with something that made them ritually unclean—usually a bodily fluid, a certain kind of animal, or a skin disease. When a person was “defiled,” steps were needed to restore purity—usually bathing, waiting for a period of time, and bringing an offering. An unclean person also had to take care not to touch other people because that would spread the uncleanness. These laws reminded the people that God desired holiness in all areas of life. From eating food to having children to taking care of one’s body, God’s call to holiness was always in view.Yet people could not make themselves holy. Only a priest declared whether that was so.And this is vitally good news for us. When Jesus healed people, their impurities flowed to him, and his purity flowed to them. In the great reversal that makes God’s salvation possible for us through Jesus, we are made pure once for all! Lord Jesus, thank you that although we are not holy, you make us clean by taking our impurities away. Amen!

“[God] said: ‘Among those who approach me I will be proved holy; . . . I will be honored.’” — Leviticus 10:3 On my first day of work at a McDonald’s restaurant, my cash drawer was short 10 dollars, and my manager wrote me up, leaving me worried about keeping my job. But I was not afraid of being struck dead. We’ve all made mistakes and had some rough days at work, so we might wonder why Nadab and Abihu were struck dead when they began to work as priests. What went wrong?Nadab and Abihu’s sin was not just a minor oversight or a misstep. After God had given detailed instructions about the priests’ responsibilities, Aaron’s sons ignored God’s rules in favor of their own. This is a pattern as old as the human race; sin begins when we decide we know better than God does. But God is holy, and we are not free to improvise our own ways of approaching or relating to God. Tragically, just as “fire came out” and consumed the offering brought by Aaron (Leviticus 9), fire came out against Nadab and Abihu and consumed them. Even Aaron was silent in response, likely indicating that he accepted God’s judgment—though he must have felt deep sorrow.Must we fear the same today? In all of history only one priest, Jesus, was flawless and worthy to enter God’s presence. And when he did that for our sake, he took the wrath of God upon himself as it broke out against him—in our place. But this is good news for us! Jesus’ sacrifice covered all our sin so that we never need to fear God’s judgment. Holy God, it’s difficult for us to understand your holiness. Thank you for giving us Jesus so that we can be forgiven. Amen.

Aaron lifted his hands toward the people and blessed them. — Leviticus 9:22 Our culture is obsessed with happiness. We seek joy in wealth, in our careers, in sports and leisure, and in a host of other things. Books have been written; research conducted; podcasts, movies, and TV shows produced—all promising a way to contentment. Yet soul-satisfying joy remains out of reach. Worldly happiness is fleeting at best, and it fails to deliver on its lofty promises.That’s because we are created to find our deepest joy in a relationship with God. But our sin keeps us apart from God. How can we be restored to the joy of God’s presence?As a representative of the people to God, the high priest offered sacrifices for the people’s sins. But today’s reading shows that the priest also represented God to the people. After completing the sacrifices Aaron the high priest raised his hands and pronounced God’s blessing on the people. God had accepted the offerings and—through Aaron—spoke a word of grace and comfort to his people.This word of grace is for us too! After his resurrection, Jesus turned to his disciples, “lifted up his hands and blessed them” (Luke 24:50). God had accepted the sacrifice of Jesus’ life and death, so, as our great High Priest, Jesus could speak on God’s behalf and pronounce favor on us. Because of Jesus, God turns his face toward us, and the light of his smile shines on us and gives us peace (see Numbers 6:22-26). There is no greater happiness! Father, when your people saw your glory, they fell facedown and worshiped you. As you smile on us, may we too offer ourselves in worship. Amen.

[Moses] put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe and put the ephod on him. — Leviticus 8:7 A middle-school student asked why I was studying for eight years to be “ordained.” I explained that the church ordains ministers for special duties, like raising their hands to give the blessing in church. He wasn’t impressed. “That’s a long time to go to school just to be able to raise your hands,” he said.In Leviticus 8 God gives instructions for ordaining Aaron and his sons to serve as priests. The priests’ clothing indicated the privilege and responsibility they bore. Priestly garments were purple and gold, matching the colors of the tabernacle, because the priests performed special duties for the Lord. The high priest’s turban was inscribed with the words “Holy to the Lord” (Exodus 28:36), indicating special service to God. On the ephod—a kind of vest—were 12 stones, one for each tribe of Israel. God’s people would see these stones and remember that the high priest carried their tribe close to his heart and lifted them up in prayer to God.It’s even better for us! Hebrews 7:23-28 assures us that Jesus, our ultimate High Priest, continually lifts us up before God and holds us near to his heart. When grief or sadness weigh us down, Jesus is lifting us up! When Satan nags us about repeated failures, Jesus’ Spirit reminds us that his righteousness covers all our sin. When we don’t know how or what to pray for, Jesus prays on our behalf before the Lord Almighty! Lord Jesus, we thank and praise you for being our perfect priest. Thank you for representing us, O Savior and King! Amen.

“When they . . . realize their guilt, they must . . . make restitution in full, add a fifth of the value to it and give it all to the owner. . . .” — Leviticus 6:4-5 Recently a jeweler in my city was sentenced to 20 years in prison for defrauding customers. When people brought in their rings for cleaning, he had swapped fake diamonds for their authentic ones, which he then sold. Over the years, he netted over a half-million dollars that way.Perhaps you have been victimized by a scam like that.Or maybe you have been dishonest. Maybe you sold a car without disclosing its problems. Or you found someone’s wallet but made no effort to return it. Or maybe you dented a stranger’s car and drove off without leaving your insurance information.Defrauding or exploiting others tears at the fabric of society by damaging our ability to trust others. In addition, such acts are also sins against God: “If anyone sins and is unfaithful to the Lord by deceiving a neighbor about something. . . .”Thankfully, God provides a solution. Jesus’ death atones for our guilt, ensuring that our fellowship with God is not broken. God also graciously points us to a way of reconciliation with people we have wronged. Restitution is a way to make things right with our neighbor. We are urged to repay what we have taken, plus an added amount to compensate for loss.Is there a relationship with someone in your life that needs repair? What will you do to make things right? Lord Jesus, thank you for paying the price to make us right with God; help us also to take steps to make things right with others. In your name, Amen.

“If any member of the community sins unintentionally . . . and they realize their guilt . . . the priest will make atonement for them, and they will be forgiven.” — Leviticus 4:27, 31 Rachel pulled Jon into her office to address his work performance. “Some of our clients have complained that you have come across as cold and unfriendly lately,” she said. “If this doesn’t change, we may have to evaluate your future with our company.” She didn’t know that Jon was going through a divorce and caring for his ailing mother. If she had known those things, she may have taken a gentler approach.Sometimes we can hurt our neighbor or grieve God without even realizing it. For example, we can make a comment that is racially insensitive. We can donate to a cause that we later learn is not worthy of support. We can hurt people with unkind remarks or act impatiently when we are frustrated and tired. And although we might like to plead ignorance, that doesn’t mean we are not responsible for our actions.Yet God graciously provides the remedy not only for our known sins but also for the ones we aren’t aware of. And today we have what Israel did not have: a better priest, who brings a better sacrifice! Jesus’ death on the cross pays for all our sins—once for all. All of our hurtful words, sinful thoughts, and insensitive actions that have not measured up to God’s standard are forgiven, even if we are not aware of them! Lord, you see much more than we do, and yet your mercy is unfathomable! Thank you that in Jesus you remove our guilt so that we may be at peace with you. Amen.

“And from it he shall offer one loaf from each offering, as a gift to the Lord.” — Leviticus 7:14 When my daughter graduated from basic training for the U.S. Army, our family traveled to South Carolina to celebrate with her. Having eaten only Army food for three months, she was eager to try some of the famous local barbecue options. Friends who lived nearby recommended a restaurant, and when we opened the door, we took in the mouthwatering aromas of pork and beef, slow-cooked for hours.I think the Lord’s tabernacle must have smelled like that. Bulls, sheep, and birds were constantly being offered and burned on the altar. And when a family brought an offering with thanks, they were also to bring loaves of bread and oil. The food was shared with the priests so that they could eat too, and everyone was mindful that God himself was enjoying the same meal! In ancient Israel, sharing a meal was a way to nurture relationships with one another. And in South Carolina we talked and laughed as friends and family enjoyed pulled pork, ribs, and smoked brisket.Is your relationship with Christ as personal and intimate as a shared meal with close friends? Some of us imagine God as being cold and aloof. But God invites us to the intimacy of a dinner table. One of the places we experience this most clearly is at the Lord’s table, where Jesus himself feasts with us and deepens our relationship with him and his church. May we deepen the fellowship we enjoy with God, in Christ! Lord God, thank you for inviting us to feast and enjoy fellowship with you! Nourish us in your grace and deepen our relationship with you. Amen.

“If your offering is a fellowship offering . . . you are to present . . . an animal without defect.” — Leviticus 3:1 When I was growing up, our family would often grill meat for our meals in the summer. My parents enjoyed grilled steak, but it didn’t seem sensible to use choice meat for four young kids who didn’t appreciate a sirloin. So instead they put “tube steak” on the barbecue just for us. We were satisfied until we learned that tube steaks were just hot dogs!It's one thing to use a lesser kind of meat when feeding a large family, but it’s quite another to try to pass off less than our best to God. In Leviticus 3 God spells out the requirements for fellowship offerings. These sound similar to the rules for burnt offerings (Leviticus 1), but the fellowship offering illustrated the joy of living in a peaceful relationship with God. God’s desire was to draw his people into relationship with himself. So, as the holy and true God, he called for receiving animals without blemish or defect. In addition, with these offerings the people had to separate and offer all of the fat portions to the Lord. Why? Because the fat was considered the choicest part of the animal, and that was to be dedicated to God.Romans 12 expands on this idea, noting that our response to God’s mercy is to offer the best that we have: our very selves! Do we offer God our very best? When we give of our time, talents, and treasure, do we give God our best, or the leftovers? In view of God’s mercy, let’s offer God the very best of all we have! O Lord, you have made us your sons and daughters! May we honor you by joyfully giving our best to you! In Jesus, Amen.

“You are to lay your hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on your behalf to make atonement for you.” — Leviticus 1:4 I’m not proud of this, but I’m a recovering guilt-denier. When confronted with something that I’ve done wrong, my first reaction is to deny, argue, or even blame others. Many of us do that. Others, however, absorb guilt and get stuck in shame and self-loathing. Still others take their cues from our feel-good culture and deny that there’s anything wrong with us to begin with. But our conscience won’t let us off so easily. Deep down, we all have a nagging awareness that we fall short, even of our own standards.God offers a better alternative. In the opening chapters of Leviticus we find pictures of hope and forgiveness. Each offering of a type of animal or food served a different purpose, and each sacrifice could be different, depending on a family’s income. The burnt offering dealt with the people’s fundamental problem of guilt. The person laid their hand on a bull, a sheep, or a bird, and the animal would be killed in place of its family. In this way the penalty for sin would be covered, and the offering would make “an aroma pleasing to the Lord,” signifying God’s favor and blessing.Of course, as Hebrews 10:4 explains, “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” Those offerings illustrated that Jesus, the Lamb of God, would eventually become the ultimate sacrifice for us. Jesus’ death was an offering pleasing to God, and now God’s favor shines on us! Merciful God, we rejoice in the forgiveness you extend to us in Christ, our Savior! Amen.

The Lord called to Moses and spoke to him. . . . He said, “Speak to the Israelites and say. . . .” — Leviticus 1:1-2 Yesterday we saw how God’s perfect holiness meant that even Moses, whom God had specially chosen, had to be careful about approaching the Lord. How then could the people themselves have fellowship with God?In the opening verses of Leviticus, we see that God speaks first, inviting the people into relationship with him. And God sets the terms.Maybe we imagine that we can decide how to relate with God. For example, some people suppose that living a highly moral life earns God’s acceptance. Others downplay the seriousness of sin. But these approaches are woefully inadequate, failing to take God and his holiness seriously—not to mention the fact that we are all sinful and cannot even approach God unless he makes a way possible for us.God’s presence will come into our lives, changing every part of us—our relationships, our work, our desires, our priorities, and our whole outlook on life. But we enter God’s presence on his terms.God appointed Moses to teach the people what was needed to live in God’s presence at that time. Centuries later, God spoke his word again—and “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). Jesus is God’s Word to us, and he came to teach and save us so that when we look to him in faith, God’s life-changing presence enters our lives! Holy and awesome God, you are present with us always! We thank you for Jesus, who makes it possible for us to live each day in your presence. Amen.

Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it. . . . — Exodus 40:35 I first approached the Grand Canyon while holding the hand of my two-year-old son, Derek. He was energetic and loved exploring the world around him with little concern for potential harm. As the south rim came into view, I experienced two emotions at the same time. I was stunned by the beauty before me. Creation reflects the glory of the Creator! At the same time, I felt genuine fear: one misstep, or one reckless move from my son, and the worst might happen! In a way, the very grandeur of the Grand Canyon made it dangerous.The tabernacle was like that in some ways too. It filled the people with joy and awe in the majesty of God’s presence. But as the cloud of God’s presence descended, a danger emerged. God’s glorious presence is so holy that nothing impure or imperfect can be there with him. Even Moses had to be careful, for God had said, “You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live” (Exodus 33:20).We face a similar problem. We may long for God’s presence, but because of our sinful nature we are imperfect. But, thankfully for us, God has provided a way for people to live in his presence. His Son, Jesus, came to stand in for us, even giving up his own life to pay the debt for our sin, so that we can be declared right with God (Romans 3-4)! And now, because of Jesus’ finished work, we can be made new and enjoy life with God forever. Lord Jesus, you took on our guilt and sin so that we can live in God’s presence. Hallelujah! Deepen in us a longing to live for you each day. Amen.

. . . The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. — Exodus 40:34 I realize that you might be thinking, “Leviticus? Uh-oh.” In the book of Leviticus we find rules about skin infections, bodily fluids, religious festivals, and animal sacrifices. Is the book of Leviticus even relevant for us today?To understand the purpose of Leviticus, we need to start with the scene in today’s reading. The tabernacle, a tent-like structure that served as a portable temple, was a beautifully designed space where God came to be present among his people. It became God’s dwelling place, where the beauty of God’s presence came to fill his people with joy and peace.We are created with a longing for beauty deep in our souls. This longing stirs when we see a beautiful sunset, listen to uplifting music, make an exciting discovery, or taste food that delights our tastebuds. But our longing for beauty cannot be satisfied until we realize that beauty always points us to its source: God himself!Out in the desert long ago, God’s glory must have left the people awestruck. The author of all that is good and right came to live among his people even in the wilderness.Many years later the presence of God returned when Jesus, God’s Son, came and “tabernacled among us” (John 1:14, literal translation). Jesus came to save us from sin and fill us with new life so that we can have joy and peace with God forever. By faith in Christ, we can have a relationship with God that fills the deepest longings of our heart. Glorious God, thank you for the beauty of your love, salvation, and new life in Christ! Amen.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. — 1 Corinthians 10:13 A student recently told me about her philosophy class. The students in the class were asking about some of the hard questions of life: How did we get here? And what is the purpose and meaning of life? These questions have been asked and discussed throughout the ages, and the Bible gives a clear, definitive answer. We are here because we have been created by the almighty God, and we exist to glorify the Lord and enjoy him forever. There is, however, another powerful being who has no desire to see God glorified. And he does not want us to enjoy God at all. The devil has come to rob, kill, and destroy. He does that by trying to convince us that God’s way is not the best way. As Jesus worked with his disciples, he saw that each one would be tempted to walk the path that leads to destruction. He taught his followers to pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13). In this world the devil and our sinful human nature are constantly at work—even attacking us—to distract us from living as God calls us to live. But, as the Bible assures us, when we are tempted, God will “provide a way out so that [we] can endure it.” Comfort and joy come in walking God’s way! Lord God, “uphold us and make us strong” by your Holy Spirit so that we can resist our enemies. In Jesus, Amen.

“Give us today our daily bread.” — Matthew 6:11 The college where I serve as chaplain includes many students who are squeezed financially. Some of them have to choose between buying food, paying rent, or paying their tuition and fees. So when they pray, “Give us today our daily bread,” they mean it literally. And God often answers that prayer through a local bakery that donates thousands of loaves of bread and buns and other baked goods to our campus ministry each year. In addition, local farms donate thousands of pounds of greenhouse vegetables, onions, and potatoes. Still other donors bring us boxes and boxes of groceries. And somehow the bills get paid. Recently a young student asked if we could pray for her as she was looking to buy her first car. She was not looking for a fancy, expensive car—just a used, economical, and reliable vehicle that would serve her well for several years without major expenses. That request also connected with asking for “daily bread” because it had to do with providing for physical needs. In the request for “daily bread,” our Lord is teaching us not to worry about all our needs (Matthew 6:25) and that all our striving is in vain without God’s blessing (Psalm 127:1). Praying as Jesus teaches us will help us to grow in our trust and love for God in a world that seeks constantly to draw us away from him. Heavenly Father, we depend on you to meet all our needs. Most of all, we need your blessing, Lord, to live faithfully for you. Help us to trust in you alone. Amen.

What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. — 2 Peter 3:11-12 Elisha and his servant were in big trouble. They were surrounded by a hostile army that had come to capture them. But Elisha was not afraid. God had provided a vast and powerful army of angels to protect them. This passage is just one example in the Bible where we see angels carrying out the will and command of God. When Jesus teaches us to pray, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10), he is calling us to be as faithful and willing to serve God as are the angels in heaven. What is this service that God wants us to do? Peter reminds us to “live holy and godly lives.” James 1:27 teaches us to “look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep . . . from being polluted by the world.” The writer of Hebrews urges us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds,” “show hospitality to strangers,” and “remember those in prison” (10:24; 13:1-3). (See also Matthew 25:31-40.) God calls us to serve people both inside and outside the church. We are also called to share our faith with those who do not yet know him. God does not want anyone to perish; he wants all to come to faith in Christ! God’s will is that our lives will be sacrifices of praise as we honor him with our lips and work to advance his kingdom. This is not easy! Thus we pray, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”! Spirit of God, fill me with your power to serve you all day, every day. May I live a life of praise and loving service. Amen.

The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. — Romans 14:17 On Mondays I bring lunch for students at the college, and we have discussions about life. I once asked, “If you could change three things in our world, what would they be?” The most common answers went like this: I would change . . . the way money is used and abused . . . the way people treat other people . . . the lack of true religion in our world. In other words, they were hoping for a greater presence of God’s kingdom here on earth. When Jesus taught his followers to pray, “Your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10), he was teaching them to ask for the kingdom of God to be present in their lives and in the world around them. When we pray, “Your kingdom come,” we are asking God to help us submit our lives to him. We are praying that we will faithfully submit our finances and our relationships to him. We are praying that he will help us live in such a way that he is glorified. This is a prayer that in our personal lives we will be faithful followers of the heavenly King, and that in our life as the church we may together be a visible presence of God’s kingdom in the world. This is also a prayer that the work of the devil and his kingdom of darkness, which seek only to ruin all good things, will be destroyed. Lord and King, help me to submit every part of my life to you. Help me to live faithfully for you, and may your kingdom of love and grace advance throughout this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16 God is perfectly holy. When Jesus teaches us to pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,” he is teaching us to pray that we, and all who are around us, will see God’s glory and holiness. Nearly every day, 50 or more students enter the Interfaith Centre at Medicine Hat College, where I work as a chaplain. They come from dozens of countries and from many religious backgrounds, or none at all. They come for free coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and snacks. They come for a quiet place to sit, rest, or study. They come for friendship and fellowship. Sometimes they even come to see me! My prayer for our campus ministry is simply this: “Father in heaven, hallowed be your name! In every visit to the Interfaith Centre and in every interaction with the campus minister, may your name be hallowed. May your glory be seen as clearly as Isaiah saw it so many years ago!” The apostle Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). These words apply to every one of us who follows Jesus. So we need to ask, “Who and what do people see and experience when they come into my presence or our presence?” And by God’s grace, may people see the glory of the King living in us. Lord God, hallowed be your name. As the people around us get to know us, may they see your glory shine through us in all we think, say, and do. In our lives, Lord, be glorified today! For Jesus’ sake, Amen.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 In my work as a college chaplain there is rarely a day when I am not asked to pray. Most students also express gratitude when I pray with them and for them. I often find they are crying when we finish praying. But what is prayer? And does it do anything more than make us feel better? A hymn writer, James Montgomery (1771-1854), wrote: Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,uttered or unexpressed,the motion of a hidden firethat trembles in the breast.Prayer is the burden of a sigh,the falling of a tear,the upward glancing of an eyewhen none but God is near. Why pray? It is the most important part of our gratitude to God for creating, redeeming, and sustaining us. It’s at the top of our “good works” we offer to God. God is not looking for fancy prayers from his children. He is not looking for key words and phrases that follow formulas. God simply wants us to pray from the heart, acknowledging that he is the one true God who will not share his glory with another. God wants us to come to him with humility, expressing our reliance on him for life and breath and every good thing. When we come to God in this way, he promises to hear our prayers and to answer them in ways that are often better than we could imagine. Father, we come to you with praise and adoration. Thank you for your amazing love and care for us. May our lives be a never-ending prayer of gratitude to you. Amen.

“And the second [greatest commandment] is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” — Matthew 22:39-40 Maybe you’ve heard that one of the first steps a person takes toward becoming a murderer is to dehumanize their victim. By viewing others as less than human, killers tend to free their consciences to take other people’s lives. The second table of God’s law (commandments 5-10) guards us from viewing and treating others as less than human. All of us are created in the image of God. Loving our neighbors prevents us from simply viewing and using others as stepping-stones toward advancing our own sinful causes. In addition, loving others is the best way to experience the deepest purposes and joys of life. Loving others begins when we are young. We learn to honor our parents, our teachers, and all who are in authority over us, including our governments. We also learn to love our siblings and other family members, our friends, our neighbors, and more. Jesus calls us to love even our enemies and to pray for people who mistreat us (Matthew 5:43-48). He also teaches that the place for sex, including thoughts about it, is within marriage. He teaches us to be givers rather than takers, and he calls us to build one another up and to celebrate others’ victories instead of tearing people down. Living on the path of love, we honor God, bless others, and find joy and satisfaction in life. How do we do all this? By treating others as we would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12). Jesus, help us to be like you, loving and treating others with care, dignity, and respect. Amen.

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” — Matthew 22:37-38 My wife and I recently attended a symphony. Seventy-five musicians on the stage gave their best. The star of the show was a young violinist playing a 1699 Stradivarius violin. At the end of the performance, with the crowd on their feet applauding, the young man left the stage. The applause continued, and he reappeared and bowed. The applause increased, and he returned a second time. Was this violinist an egotistical young man? No. Giving the audience the opportunity to express their gratitude and amazement for a beautiful performance added to the listeners’ joy. If the violinist had simply walked off and not returned, the audience would have felt shortchanged. Expressing appreciation is an important part of enjoying a great performance. The first table of God’s law to his people (commandments 1-4) calls them to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind. God wants us to honor and glorify him in all we think, say, and do. The first table of the law is designed to enable us to truly appreciate God’s beauty and glory. Calling for our love and respect in this way is not egotistical. Rather, it is a sign that the utterly amazing and loving God wants us deeply to enjoy the best life, blessings, and hope possible. Lord God, thank you for your law, which teaches us to see and enjoy your amazing, beautiful love for us all. Help us to think and act and live in your ways always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.