THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Exodus 26:1–27:21
Matthew 25:1–30
Psalm 31:1–8
Proverbs 8:1–11
The theme of choices jumped out to me during today’s reading. The Christian life involves choice and action, springing from the intentionality and active love of the living God. Three sides of this theme – that of choosing to grant full sovereignty to God, seeking to know Him and His wisdom, and intentionally living out what He has revealed – come to mind. As Stephen Covey has written, “there are three constants in life: change, choice, and principles.” Today, I reflect on that intersection.
Choosing to grant full sovereignty to God. This choice of looking to the unchanging Lord of the universe amid changing circumstances lies at the heart of both trust and obedience.
“God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with him.” – Jim Elliot, missionary
“It is no use to grumble and complain;/ It’s just as cheap and easy to rejoice;/ When God sorts out the weather and sends rain –/ Why, rain’s my choice.” – James Whitcomb Riley, Indiana poet
Both these quotes emphasize the joy-releasing nature of trusting in God’s sovereignty. At the outset, we must trust in His sovereignty in order to obey His commands, believing in their worth because of their source. This trust is an act of the will, a choice. I liken trusting to carrying a flag up a hill under fire and into the wind; the impediments are real, but so is the mission and the adrenaline for it. In the end, God receives glory simply through our trusting Him, as the flagbearer honors His country by carrying its colors at all costs.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”(Romans 8:28)
Seeking to know Him and His wisdom. Proverbs advocates seeking after wisdom and eschewing the casual or the world’s riches. Psalm 119 explains that, like wisdom, we may hunger and thirst after God’s Word, which will direct our paths and satisfy the longings of our heart.
“You who are simple, gain prudence;
you who are foolish, gain understanding.
Listen, for I have worthy things to say;
I open my lips to speak what is right.” (Proverbs 8:5,6)
“Chose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,
for wisdom is more precious than rubies
and nothing you desire can compare with her.” (Proverbs 8:10,11)
Intentionally living out what He has revealed. The Parable of the Ten Virgins and the Talents both emphasize the importance of readiness for the Kingdom’s fruition. We may check our motivations at any time by asking, “Am I ready to meet the risen Christ today?”
Yet, we see somewhat contradictory visions in the two parables. In the first, Jesus calls His followers to vigilance for His return and the coming wedding feast of the Lamb. In the second, the three servants each receive some “starting capital” to manage on behalf of their master. In this case, the “talents” refer to a very large monetary unit, but the principles apply equally well when considering any scarce commodity with which we may have been equipped, such as time, energy, patience, the Gospel, love, artistic talent, or computer skills.
As James teaches, “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17) If we acknowledge the Source of any talent or any other commodity, we recognize the awesome responsibility to employ these elements in the service of His Kingdom.
Some practical reflections:
1. Each believer has received individual “talents.” We may spend loads of unproductive time bemoaning our specific talents or longing for another’s talents. Part of treasuring the Lord involves being thankful for His creation in us.
2. The Scriptures frequently touch upon multiplication vs. addition. We ought to trust that, with God’s help, we may bring about significant, sweeping changes in others’ lives.
3. The beginning of any great work includes a single action. A wise man shared with me: “When you are overwhelmed, start by doing something.”
Note on the Tabernacle. If you struggle, like me, to follow the intricate description of the tabernacle, you may find these artistic renditions – in panoramic image format – to be helpful guides: http://bit.ly/YWcpHe.
QUESTIONS
1. What choices did you make today?
2. With which talents has God blessed you?
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