When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law …. It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law. —Deuteronomy 17:18-19a NIV
“Did you follow the recipe?” my husband asked.
“Well, for the most part,” is my usual answer.
Let’s be honest, I’m not a big fan of reading directions, especially when I cook. I tend to skip steps or casually swap ingredients. Once, while making meatballs, I was distracted and forgot the salt and pepper. Let’s just say it made a massive difference!
Likewise, when we skip vital spiritual disciplines like spending time in God’s Word, we miss out on the exceptional life He intends for us.
In Deuteronomy, Moses wrote the ultimate “recipe” for success for Israel’s future kings. Though God was their true King, He knew the people would eventually demand a human ruler. Sure enough, about 350 years later, the Israelites cried out to the prophet Samuel, “ … appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have” (1 Samuel 8:5b, NIV).
God allowed it, but He had already set the boundaries in Deuteronomy 17 to ensure these kings would remain humble servant-leaders. They were commanded to write out their own copy of the law and read it daily.
The tragedy of Israel’s history is that for centuries, nearly every king forgot the proverbial salt. They ignored the directions, swapped God’s commands for cultural trends, and eventually lost the holy scrolls entirely under decades of temple neglect. Without reading the Word, they relied on themselves, fell into corruption, and led the nation into ruin.
But God was not surprised. As a good Father who understands human nature, He had promised a Messiah who would establish an eternal, righteous reign. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the King’s recipe. He didn’t turn to the right or the left; He obeyed the Father perfectly.
Today, because of His sacrifice, Jesus abides in us. Unlike the ancient kings who ruled by their own flawed strength, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist the flesh, navigate the world, and surrender to God’s will—even when life’s “ingredients” are difficult.
Furthermore, reading the Bible is just as urgent for us today as it was for the kings of Israel. After all, how can we follow God’s recipe if we never open the book? When I neglect Scripture, I quickly fall into old habits and lose my spiritual direction. Staying immersed in the Word aligns my heart with His. Only then can I “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8a NIV).
As the classic hymn reminds us:
When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way.
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Lyrics by John Henry Sammis (1846-1919)
Father, I am so grateful for Your Holy Word. Give me the desire to breathe in its sweet aroma and taste Your goodness every morning. Teach me to understand and obey Your instructions, not glance at them and do things my own way. Slow me down as I sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to Your life-giving words. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV)
Marlene McKenna
Sweet Selah Ministries
Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service
Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)
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