RE Verse reading–Genesis 22:1-19 (day two)
He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” vs. 2
Our RE:Verse study this quarter begins similarly to the beginning of our last study in 1 Samuel. A parent after desperately longing for a child, gives that child back to the Lord.
For this boy I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of Him. So I have also dedicated him to the Lord; as long as he lives he is dedicated to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there. 1 Samuel 27-27
Hannah and Abraham understood the role of God in their lives. Once we have children we often order everything in our lives around them, not so for Samuel and Isaac. Everything was surrendered unto God’s plan and authority. How would our children characterize our actions surrounding them? How have we given the Lord a preeminent place in their lives, or have we put our children ahead of him?
How we prioritize and organize our lives matters. If God has the highest priority then God must be first, above all other persons. There should be a priority framework so we can live without confusions and regrets. A good structure helps us conduct our lives in an orderly, meaningful and harmonious way.
One’s order of priorities reflects his or her spiritual, cultural and family values. My values are about respect and honor. How you prioritize your life affairs tells others about your background, who you are, your values and philosophy, and your belief systems. Priorities may change as individuals’ family status changes.
In my culture, in a normal, non-crisis situation, most single folks follow this priority framework: God, parents, siblings, extended family, brothers and sisters in Christ, and then the rest of the world. Priorities for parents are different for married people. As such, the model for married people is as follows: God, spouse, children, parents, siblings, extended family, brothers and sisters in Christ, and then the rest of the world.
There are times when children and God may have the same priority, especially when we are in an emergency situation. When needs-based priorities are used, children may receive the same attention as we devote to God. In any events, I believe God is always first for any models I mentioned here. We respect and honor God, our Creator, and need God to help provide comfort and hope for all concerned. Without God, we can do nothing.
How we prioritize our life affairs matters! What is your structure for priorities in your family? What is your perspective on “God first”?
A perspective on putting God first!
https://www.gotquestions.org/amp/putting-God-first.html