Do As You Have Said!

I've recently started a new routine of Bible reading in the evenings inspired by something I read in a George Mueller biography.  He said that he had read through the Bible 200 times, and 100 of those times he read on his knees.  Now there was a man who was thoroughly convinced of the truth of God's Word, the importance of seeking to hear God's voice and obtain answers to prayer through reading, and the correct attitude of the heart in approaching God in humility.  So many times we ask God for direction and wisdom, but how often do we actively seek the answer in God's Word?  Now it's your turn to be inspired by the Holy Spirit to do just that!

During my reading last night, I was struck with a statement by the heavenly visitors when the LORD appeared to Abraham in the plains of Mamre.  Upon seeing these who had the appearance of men, Abraham ran to meet them and bowed himself to the ground.  Genesis 18:3-5 records the conversation:  "My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. ⁴ Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. ⁵ And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant." They said, "Do as you have said."

After Abraham offers his hospitality, his guests graciously accepted.  He was not to leave anything undone which he had said.  He was to have water brought so their feet could be washed.  They were then to rest comfortably under the tree.  Then Abraham would supply some bread (and later meat in abundance) so they would be satisfied.  Their answer was simply, "Do as you have said."  These words remind me of Mary's exhortation concerning the directives of Christ in John 2:5:  "Whatever He says to you, do it."

As Christians we are taught from scripture that God always keeps His Word, for lying lips are an abomination to Him.  Everything He has said He will do.  But we must examine ourselves with the rigorous scrutiny with the same words God spoke to Abraham:  "Do as you have said."  When I read those words last night, I was immediately convicted.  Had I done what I had said?  I committed to reading the Bible immediately after putting the boys to bed, but yesterday decided to watch the cricket for an extra half hour before reading my portion.  In His gentle but stern way God said clearly to me, "Do as you have said."  The Father didn't have to tell me specifically what He was referring to, because the Holy Spirit prompted me to know immediately what He meant.  That's the way God speaks:  through His Word, straight to our softened hearts by means of the indwelling Spirit.

Dear Christian, you expect God to keep His Word to you:  have you kept your word to Him?  The same standard applies to both God and man, for God's standard is righteous and true.  What He says to you do it, and do as you have said.  There is joy and peace in keeping His commandments.