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Scripture for the day: 2 Samuel 7:6-7 I have not dwelt in a house since the time that I brought the children of Israel up from Egypt, even to this day, but have moved about in a tent and in a tabernacle. 7 Wherever I have moved about with all the children of Israel, have I ever spoken a word to anyone from the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?
Thought for the day: David was a good man. He was a true follower of the Lord God and would do anything in his power to prove his loyalty to the God of Abraham, the God who had set him upon the throne of Israel. David was a man “after God’s own heart.” He was the apple of God’s eye and knew the inner peace that could only come from the assurance of his right standing before the Lord. And David was not one to sit idly about his beautiful house, simply soaking in all the blessings God was willing to provide. He was one who wanted to give back.
One day the idea of a house for the Ark of the Covenant came to David’s mind. “I’ll build a house for the Ark. That will show the Lord and all the people how much I love the Lord; how dedicated I am.” He called his friend Nathan and outlined the plan, hoping I suppose, to get the work started as soon as possible. But God stepped in and provided the scripture we’ve just read for today.
Peter was a good man. He was a true follower of Jesus, the Messiah, and would do anything in his power to prove his love for the Lord. One day, as Jesus was standing at the crest of a mountain with Peter, James and John by his side, there stood Elijah and Moses, talking with the Lord. Peter was a doer, not a thinker and immediately said, “Why don’t we use these stones here and build three houses; one for You, one for Elijah and one for Moses?” I picture him there, picking up a stone large enough be part of the foundation, moving it to a relatively flat spot, and motioning the other disciples to help him in the process of construction. I also picture Jesus looking skyward and shaking his head just slightly.
Martha was a good woman. She was a true follow of Jesus, the Messiah, and would do anything in her power to prove her love. When she heard that Jesus was on his way and would be staying with them for lunch, she immediately sat down and created a to-do list. There was bread to bake, a lamb to be roasted, cleaning to be done, and the list went on and on. Handing her sister Mary a part of the list, Martha began scurrying from place to place about the house, trying her best to do everything at once. When Jesus and His disciples arrived, they found Martha still rushing about, doing all she could to make sure everything was perfect for Jesus. After all, it was the least she could do.
Now, what do these three people have in common, other than their great love for the Lord and their desire to do something concrete that would show the depth of that love? Well, they had this in common; they were all trying to do for the Lord what He’d not asked of them. Were their intentions good? They were the best. None of them could be faulted for their desire; none could be accused of a lack of love for the Lord. Their shortcoming was in trying to run ahead, anticipate the need, and so something, anything, that would demonstrate their faith, when the Lord had asked simply that they sit at his feet and learn from Him.
Martha should have taken her rightful place beside Mary, at the feet of Jesus. Peter should have silently taken in all the Lord had for him to learn in that moment. David should have spent his time asking what the Lord wanted rather than trying to provide what he thought might please Him. And we ought to be doing the very same thing. Rather than running about doing a lot of stuff He’s not even asked of us, perhaps we could spend some time asking with Paul, “What do you want me to do, Lord?”
Now go take on your world. - Bill