Scripture:
2 Samuel 6:7 “The Lord’s anger blazed out against Uzzah for [touching the Ark of God], and God struck him dead beside [it].”
Observation:
Initially I find this passage confusing and disheartening – God kills a man for attempting to protect the Ark. The notes in my Bible indicate that David was transporting the Ark incorrectly in the first place and that it was clear that touching the Ark was a capitol offense. Perhaps our culture has lost reverence for anything truly holy; I don’t understand the stringency of the laws or the finality of their consequences. None the less – David knew better. Even though we’re doing something God wants us to do, we need to be attentive to how he wants it done. We need to trust His foresight and purpose.
Application:
Though it doesn’t seem consequences are quite as final, I can’t say I’ve truly sought His plan or strategy, but only His goal and destination. After hearing these I need to be just as careful to seek the method he has laid out as good.
Prayer:
Slow my steps and help me wait on you, Lord. Show and help me follow and not just go.
Scripture:
Psalm 139: 23-24 “Search me O God, and know my heart, test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
Observation:
It is one thing to be searched and called out in your sin – but another thing entirely to be tested. Purging the evil from my life ultimately results in a more pleasing life to God and to me. When I think about being tested … my concern isn’t whether I would “pass” (not that I know I would) but what it could cost me. Almost the difference between being healthy verses fit. At relatively low cost and with a modicum of discipline one can maintain good health. The cost though of being fit is quite a different level.
Application:
Quite honestly Lord I’m not sure I have the courage to ask to be tested. Is comfort my highest value? I DO want to be ready when trials come, but submitting myself to them purposefully is not in me.
Prayer:
Give me the strength and courage to someday make this my prayer.
Scripture:
Micah 6:8 “O people, the Lord has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Observation:
This is the type of verse I think of when people are frustrated by a lack of “calling” on their life. The Bible doesn’t lay out a complete direction for all, but it is so clear about how we are to go. In many ways this is the same principal as Matthew 15:11 “You are not defiled by what you eat, but what you say and do.” What you eat, what you do, where you live … these things are really ancillary to your relationship with God and your relationship with others. As we engage life, we are to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.
Application:
I wrote just the other day about finding my calling – I don’t think that is a bad desire, but I shouldn’t be frustrated by it. I need to keep in mind the callings God has placed on my life.
Prayer:
Lord, let me always keep an open ear for your direction, but give me a content and steadfast heart to move forward in the manner you’ve laid out.
Scripture:
Matthew 14:13-14 “As soon as Jesus heard [of John's death], he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.”
Observation:
John’s death was a tragic loss to Christ, the Kingdom, and Jesus’ advancing ministry. The personal grief must have been enormous, so Jesus attempts to find a solitary place to grieve and mourn. Instead he’s followed by a crushing crowd. Despite the heartache Christ must have been battling he is overcome with compassion for these broken people and heals them – a process which is described elsewhere as power going out – I don’t know if this affected Christ, but I know it would’ve been exhausting for me. Christ places others above himself even at what must have been one of the lowest points in his life.
Application:
Others should always be my top concern. Unconditional love applies both to the conditions of the other and to the conditions surrounding me. The state I am in should not effect how much love I show.
Prayer:
I know that when these times come the well of my own love and energy will be far too shallow – please help me depend on your resources.
Scripture:
Matthew 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Observation:
I’m not exactly sure what the “Yoke of Christ” looks like – in many ways I interpret it as taking up your cross, but that sems like a very different picture. Perhaps his yoke is His wisdom. As we learn and grow in his ways we make better choices leading to less heartache, less regret. There is more to it though – following Christ isn’t just being a good person. Perhaps another aspect of assuming Christ’s yoke is learning who we are in Christ, and what he made us to do. There is certainly “rest for the soul” to be found in feeling like you’re being used.
Application:
I wouldn’t say I’m unsettled – in general my soul is at rest – however, I still don’t know what that “Calling” is and I want to find it – but how?
Prayer:
Thank you Lord for teaching humbly and gently – help me listen and understand.
