
PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS
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In the 7th Commandment (Exodus 20:14), we encounter the simple prohibition of, “Do not commit adultery.” This is a straightforward prohibition against the violation of the biblical covenant of marriage by either party through an act of unfaithfulness or infidelity.
Words
The two Hebrew words that are used to communicate this command against unfaithfulness are those of, “Lo (absolutely not) and Na’af (to act without fidelity / unfaithful).
The term translated into English as, adultery (Na’af), is used in many cases to describe an act of infidelity within the covenant relationship between Yahweh and his people. We can hear a good example of this kind of Na’af, in the message given to the Prophet Jeremiah:
6 During the reign of King Josiah, the LORD said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every spreading tree and has committed adultery there.
9 Because Israel’s immorality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood.
(Jeremiah 3:6, 9 NIV11)
Spiritual Adultery
This is one example among many of spiritual adultery.
The Lord has called his people into a covenant relationship with himself and has promised to given them his name, his presence, his love, and his blessing. The Lord does not ask his children to do more in response than simply to accept the gift of his grace and mercy by faith as seen in their willingness to seek fidelity with the Lord.
What the Lord wants from his children is faithfulness.
They are to forsake other gods, idols, and false representations of the one true God. As we heard in Jeremiah’s prophetic message, the people of Israel and Judah, failed to uphold the covenant of the Lord as they purposefully gave their worship and devotion to falsehood and human invention.
Mirror
The Lord calls his children to follow in his footsteps, to mirror what they see in the Lord’s person and character. In the passages that follow, we can hear two examples of how faithfulness is at the root of the Lord’s nature and character:
1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
2 Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.
4 For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
(Psalm 33:1-4 NIV11)
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.
(Psalms 145:13 NIV11)
Character
At the heart of the seventh commandment we encounter a part of the Lord’s character. The Lord values faithfulness, fidelity, and the honoring of commitments. What the Lord promises, he will complete without fail.
The seventh commandment, “Do not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14), is more than a prohibition against acts of infidelity within the covenant of marriage. This commandment is a clear demonstration of God’s heart of faithfulness and this desire that we, his people, should seek to be people of faithfulness as well.
When I embrace the faithfulness of the Lord, I am on my way toward learning how to become faithful as well. I cannot look to the weakness of human commitments to find the strength I need to pursue a life of fidelity toward God and toward others. Only in relationship with the Lord will I discover the true meaning of being a person who is faithful.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, I am so thankful that you are faithful to your own word and promises to me. You are indeed known as the one who is faithful and true. Help me to move toward your heart of faithfulness today. Teach me more about this amazing element of your nature and character.
In Christ,
Ryan Laden
PASTOR RYAN LADEN
Works at MTN. CHURCH
Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church
Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
Studied at Baylor University
Studied at Texas Tech University
Went to Castle Hills First Baptist
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