Day 3: The One-Seat Throne
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 10:12–22
Welcome to Day 3 of our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2023. This is Week 1, Walking in the Fear of the Lord.
The Focus: “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to WALK IN OBEDIENCE TO HIM, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today FOR YOUR OWN GOOD?” (Deuteronomy 10:12–13)
The Meditation: “Walk in obedience to Him . . . for your own good.”
Room for One
A throne is built for one person. That is true of the throne of a human heart as well. Jesus said that nobody can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). Sooner or later one of them has to stand up.
In Deuteronomy 10, Moses is speaking to Israel on the edge of the promised land. He sums up everything God wants from them in a single sentence.
What God Asks
The sentence has five parts: fear the Lord, walk in obedience to Him, love Him, serve Him with all your heart and soul, and keep His commands (Deuteronomy 10:12–13). None of these is about a religious performance. They describe a whole life handed over to God.
Moses goes deeper still. He tells the people to circumcise their hearts and to stop being stubborn (Deuteronomy 10:16). God is looking for more than outward obedience. He wants the inside of us.
For Your Own Good
The phrase that is easy to miss is at the end of verse 13. God gives His commands for our own good. He is not trying to take something from us. A good Father sets boundaries because He loves His children.
And look at who is asking. The highest heavens belong to Him, yet He set His love on His people (Deuteronomy 10:14–15). He is the great, mighty and awesome God, who shows no favouritism and cannot be bribed, and who defends the orphan, the widow and the foreigner (Deuteronomy 10:17–18). The One who asks for the throne has earned our trust.
Pray It Through
Check the seat. What is competing with God for first place in your life at the moment? Be specific.
Soften your heart. Is there an area where you have been stubborn with God? Give it up to Him today.
Trust His reasons. Think of a command you find hard. Thank God that He gave it for your good.
Prayer for Today
Lord my God, You alone deserve the throne of my heart. Forgive me for the things I have allowed to sit there in Your place. I choose today to fear You, to love You and to serve You with all my heart and soul. Thank You that Your commands are for my good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Listen and Watch
Pastor Ras shares a short message for Day 3 in the audio and video below.
Keep going
See every day of this guide on our Prayer & Fasting page.
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