As a American citizen it boggles the mind to consider that Kings and Queens still exist in our world. TV shows, fairy tales, and movies have taught us that when Kings and Queens give instructions the proper response, and the only response if you want to remain alive, is “yes your majesty.” We see this over and over in history as well as Kings and Queens ruled their nations and citizens obeyed their directives. The Psalm reading for today, Psalm 8:1-9 reminds us that there is only one King, God, the creator of the world. “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”(vs. 1) Creation itself reminds the Psalmist of how powerful and amazing the Creator is and the Psalmist is blown away that God, who is indeed omnipotent, wants to be in a relationship with us. “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” (vs.3-4)

God not only wants a relationship with us but wants us to be a part of what He is doing in the world. It is humbling to consider that God has a role for us to play in the salvation story that is being played out all over the world. “Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet” (vs. 5-6). What a privilege it is to have an assignment from God, to do the work we are called to do, as we serve the one true King of all creation. When we hear directions and promptings from God, I pray our response is quick and clear, “yes your majesty.”

Remember that we are participating in a marathon and not a sprint. Be encouraged that you have made it more than halfway through. If you have dropped out for awhile and missed some days, then start back up today. This is a not a litmus test to prove your devotion to God, but rather an opportunity to spend time reading God’s word throughout the year.

Today’s Old Testament scripture reveals that God wants simple obedience and trust in Him and His commands. Saul is given an instruction by the prophet of God Samuel to destroy all of the Amalekites and all of their possessions. Instead of obeying God’s instruction Saul set aside Agag, the Amalekite King and the best of the sheep, oxen, fattened calves, and lambs. Saul decided that he knew better than God. In Saul’s mind, God didn’t offer an instruction He just offered a suggestion.

As a result of his disobedience God rejected Saul as King. Samuel confronted Saul about his disobedience and plainly said these words, “to obey is better than sacrifice” (I Samuel 15:22). Saul had his excuses ready to explain why he didn’t obey God’s instruction. Samuel wasn’t interested in Saul’s rationale for disobedience and simply informed Saul that God rejected him as King.

We have our excuses ready too don’t we. Often times we know exactly what God has instructed us to do and yet we rationalize away obedience and develop numerous excuses as to why we decided to ignore God’s instruction in order to do something that we determined to be a better idea. Often times we forget how the world is organized because we have ourselves at the center instead of maintaining an awe and reverence for the Lord that would keep Him and His commands at the center of our world.

As our creator, God knows what is best for us. Obedience may be difficult but that is what God wants from us. Simple faith and trust in Him that demonstrates that we acknowledge He knows best.