February 15- When Did You Forget?

Exodus 39:1-40:38
Mark 1:1-28
Psalm 35:1-16
Proverbs 9:11-12

I'm reading Exodus 39 about the wardrobe of the High Priest. As I read, it says that a stone is placed in his chest piece, representing the twelve sons of Israel. Maybe (just maybe) this was to remind the High Priest that it was all about the people. The people were to be close to the heart of the High Priest. They should have mattered to him, been precious to him, and been right there in the forefront of his mind as he sacrificed for them. And yet, we see time and time again, these men forget their purpose and act in ways that hurt the people they are to be serving. Don't you wanna grab a priest and say "When did you forget about the people?" Don't you wanna do that to church leaders today too? Churches often are so messed up, so backwards. I just wanna grab the leadership and say "When did you forget?"

God calls us back to remember. It's not just about God. It's not just about yourself. It's also about the people. The funny thing is, people tend to see themselves and God on the same page. I want what God wants, thus me serving him is also me getting my way. But, when we realize that God's passion is the people, the tables turn. The desires of the people might not be our desires. The people might see a need that I don't. So, God calls us to love the people. Love the Lord and love your neighbor. When you serve one of these, you serve me. Hey, maybe when we stand up for them, we are standing up for him! Maybe his will has more to do with them than it does with us! So, we try not to forget. Keep the people close to your heart. Don't forget the people.