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What comes first - WHO or WHAT?
Rod Shimabukuro31“So you shall keep my commandments and do them: I am the Lord. 32And you shall not profane my holy name, that I may be sanctified among the people of Israel. I am the Lord who sanctifies you, 33who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 22
The Lord continues to expound on who He is, as a holy and righteous God. Although there are numerous laws and rules being implemented, I think the Big Idea is WHO HE IS - not just “what” the children of Israel and priest NEED To DO. The WHO He IS, is bigger than WHAT they (should) do!
The Israelites would then be faced with the same issues we face today. The rules become bigger than the Righteous Redeemer. The law outweighs The Lord! The commands supersede our CHRIST!
Being in leadership/management, I’ve been a rule follower, implementer and enforcer. This can be a curse when the human heart wants to please man or is too focused on performance, results or success. Successful living and carrying out or enforcing rules can be a guide or a god.
I want to live differently by being a rule follower, implementer, enforcer - knowing WHO is Large and in Charge! When I follow the WHO in my heart and life, JESUS - I will follow, enforce His Word with love, grace, truth. When the Holy Spirit is my WHO, who leads me - He will guide me into being a worshiper who gladly delights in following and obeying His Word.
I would also like to be a Godly teacher and shepherd, guiding and leading people to follow HIM - before following His rules. So WHO God is, should always precede WHAT I do.
Dear Holy, Righteous, Loving and Gracious God! I love and need You. I want to be like You. I want to embody WHO YOU Are and express through my life, Your character! Thank You for leading, loving, filling me with Your Spirit!
