It Bears Repeating

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By Ava Pennington—

What do you do when you have an important message to communicate? If you’re like me, you may use repetition.

When I see God using repetition in the Bible, I take that as a flashing neon sign saying, in effect, “This is important. Pay attention!” Essential principles expressed in the Old Testament are often reiterated in the New Testament.

For example, like many people today, the Israelites of the prophet Micah’s time were busy with religious activity, but their hearts were far from God. Speaking through Micah, God asked His people a simple question. “What does the Lord require of you?” It’s a question many ask today. What does the Lord require of us?

“He has told you…,” said Micah. He had told them in Moses’ law. Deuteronomy 10:12 and 18-19 says, “Now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him…He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing. So show your love…”

God wanted a people in relationship with Him. Justice, kindness, and a humble walk with Him in faith. Micah reminded them (and us), “Does the Lord take delight in thousands of rams, in ten thousand rivers of oil?…He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:7-8)

This same prophet also told of the coming Messiah—the One who would ultimately restore the relationship destroyed by sin. It is from Micah that we learn of Bethlehem as the birthplace of God’s Son, Jesus.

During the time of Jesus’ earthly life, ritual maintained an ugly grip on God’s people. Jesus was outspoken in His criticism of the legalistic burdens the religious leaders had placed on the people. Much like the nation during Micah’s day, they just didn’t get it—God is interested in the heart more than external ritual.

Matthew 23:23 records His exposure of their hypocrisy. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.”

What about us, today? Are we so preoccupied with religious behavior that we have neglected intimate relationship with God? Are our hearts engaged in a relationship with the Savior who died to restore us to Him, or do we ‘go through the motions’ on Sunday morning, and then ‘look out for number one’ on Monday morning?

Do we practice justice in our own business dealings? Do we meet the necessities of others at their point of need, or do we show mercy only when it is convenient for us? Are we faithful to obey the voice of the Holy Spirit, or do we behave as if we know better than God what is best for us?

The first time God said it, He established the basis for a relationship with His people. The next time He said it, it was to remind them that they had missed the point. The third time, He sent His Son to deliver the message in person.

It’s a message that bears repeating.

 

 

 

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Ava Pennington is thoroughly enjoying her second career as an author, teacher, and speaker. Originally from New York City, she relocated after a 20-year corporate career as a Human Resources executive. But don’t call her retired. In addition to writing and speaking, she teaches a Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class of 150+ women from September through May each year.

Her newest book, Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional, is published by Revell and endorsed by Kay Arthur, founder of Precepts Ministries International. Ava has also written articles for magazines such as Power for Living, Called, and Christianity Today’s Today’s Christian Woman. She has been published in 25 anthologies, including 18 Chicken Soup for the Soul books.

Ava is grateful for her husband, Russ, their marriage of 35+ years, and their home in south Florida. She is a passionate speaker and teacher, and delights in challenging audiences with relevant, enjoyable presentations. For more information, visit www.AvaWrites.com or contact her at Ava@AvaWrites.com.