Treasure God's Word

744 Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 1Ki 2:2-4, "I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. 3 "And keep the charge of the LORD your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn; 4 "that the LORD may fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, 'If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,' He said, 'you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.' (1 Kings 2:2-4) David is on his death bed and reminds Solomon of his awesome responsibilities as the next King of Israel. This is not just David handing down the reigns of government, this is God charging Solomon to rule well. Would that all rulers who profess faith in Jesus take heed to what is being said here. After all, has not God appointed all who rule? Ro 13:1b says, “there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” If then, they are appointed by God, then they are expected to rule in accordance with His standards. Rulers are charged to live personal lives aligned with the Word of God (to walk in His ways,) They are to “keep” His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses,” The word “keep” here means to put a hedge around something because you value it. So leaders are to treasure God's Word and in particular the Ten Commandments. In ruling in this manner, true prosperity comes to a nation, “that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn;” I sincerely believe that this code guided our founding fathers and is the main reason that the United States has enjoyed prosperity for over 200 years! They didn't hide the Ten Commandments they displayed them! They didn't ban God from the public sphere, rather they extolled Him and gave Him the glory for all things! Father, forgive us, for we have not kept Your charge. Grant us the gift of repentance, that we may turn back to You, treasuring You and Your Word in our personal and national lives.