Noble intentions

“And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.” – Exodus 24v7

These were exciting times for Israel. God had been communicating with Moses and Moses had shared what God said with them. They had built altars and offered up sacrifices. As God read the Word of God to the people they responded perfectly. “All that the Lord has said we will do. We will obey everything God has said.”

It is clear that the emotional fervour of the moment had set in. We cannot doubt the hearts of the people at the moment. Certainly they had the most noble of motivations as they committed to follow God and obey Him. It must have been a amazing time for the people.

However, sadly, we will find out soon that their excitement did not last. It would only be a short time before the people collapse into sin, debauchery, and disobedience. Noble intentions are never enough. We can get caught up in the emotional high of special meetings, teen camp, or revival meetings. Commitments are made with every intention of following though.

Then, the reality of the world sets in. We go back to school or work. The appeal of the flesh is not diminished and many times we forget our commitment and are right back to where we were. Like Israel, our noble intentions are not enough.

Jesus said that His family are those who hear His words and do them. Let us be sure that when we make a decision to follow God we do so. May we not only be hearers of the word, or intenders of the word, but doers of the word.