God’s Signature: I AM THE LORD
Daily Old Testament Reading: Leviticus 26-27; Numbers 1
Daily Focus Passage: Leviticus 26
When I receive a card in the mail, I enjoy reading the serious or humorous nature of the card. The message presented brings joy or laughter to life, but the card becomes significant when someone signs the card personally. The signature indicates care and compassion. The signature carries a stamp of approval for the message and adds significance to the meaning. Throughout the Bible, God places his signature in the Word to present to us his stamp of approval on the message of the Bible. For example, in Leviticus 26, Moses presents the law of the Lord to the people and gives the law with the signature of God, "I am the Lord." God's signature reaches into our lives today and calls us to engage the Word and live it out in obedience.
THE AUTHORITY TO MAKE THE LAW
God’s signature reveals that the Creator of the law is the Creator of the universe. He is defined by holiness and has worked as the Deliverer and Provider in the lives of his children. As the holy Creator, the Lord holds all authority and defines right from wrong. Thus, he makes the law authoritatively known when he adds his signature to the Word. The authority of the Lord means that his ways are not suggestive or flexible, but they are straight, narrow, and righteous.
When we live in the knowledge that the Lord created the parameters in which we live morally and ethically, our lives exist in submission and surrender to him. In such a position, we bow before the Lord and submit to his ways and will because we understand his holiness and righteousness. When you engage the Word of the Lord, do you allow the Word to dictate your life, or do you attempt to live according to your thoughts? The question flows from our view of God’s authority.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE LAW
In authority, the Lord announced the truth of the law. This announcement, through His Word, set forth the metrics of distinguishing right from wrong. The Lord alone holds the authority to make this announcement because he defines that which is righteous. Likewise, the announcement comes as a tool to guide his people and clarify how life must be lived out. When the Lord announces his law, he gives it in directives, not suggestions.
When we approach God’s Word, we receive the announcement of the law given with his signature attached. The engagement allows us to gain the needed guidance to distinguish right from wrong and to understand how to live according to his will and ways, as presented in His Word. When we allow the Word to become the announcement from the Lord in his authority, we place ourselves in a position to receive the announcement and prepare to place the truth into practice. How are you receiving the Word from the Lord? Are you receiving it as suggestive or directive?
THE ACTION TO THE LAW
Believers must respond obediently as the Lord announces his will and ways with authority. The obedience moves beyond mere logic and knowledge and becomes evident in practice. When the law becomes expressed in action, the believer demonstrates a proper response to the announcement from the Lord to the authority that the announcement occurred. When you consider your life, do you live out the received announcement of the Lord? Does your life show a surrender to the authority of the Lord?
The signature of the Lord within His Word depicts the necessity for us to hear the Word intentionally. Hearing the Word provides the opportunity to hear from the Lord and understand his desires for our lives. At the same time, they must hear with the desire to store the Word in our hearts to place the Word into practice. Thus, the signature of the Lord propels us to seek the Word of the Lord in faithfulness.
The Bible is God’s Word to you, written and endorsed with His signature. As the holy Creator, Deliverer, and Provider, the Lord calls us to live in righteousness and to pursue holiness. He provides the needed guidelines for this pursuit and gives them authority with His signature. May you commit to engaging His Word with the knowledge that the Word carries His authority.
