When God’s People Get ‘It’ Right

Israel’s history in the Old Testament is not particularly inspiring.  In fact, it’s often quite depressing if we’re honest.  Story after story recounts this people’s obstinacy and outright rebellion towards God, and it’s not difficult to draw the conclusion that God’s love for His people is seldom reciprocated.

But that’s not the whole story (thankfully).  There were times and seasons where the proverbial clouds parted and God’s people seemed to capture His vision.  I’m so very grateful that these accounts are included in Scripture less we grow lugubrious about our lot in life.

“Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every skillful person in whom the Lord had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him, to come to the work to perform it.  They received from Moses all the contributions which the sons of Israel had brought to perform the work in the construction of the sanctuary.  And they still continued bringing to him freewill offerings every morning.  

And all the skillful men who were performing all the work of the sanctuary came, each from the work which he was performing, and they said to Moses, ‘The people are bringing much more than enough for the construction work which the Lord commanded us to perform.’  So Moses issued a command, and a proclamation was circulated throughout the camp, saying, ‘Let no man or woman any longer perform work for the contributions of the sanctuary.’  Thus the people were restrained from bringing any more.”  (Ex. 36:2-6)

A similar thing happened again centuries later as David took up an offering for the construction of the temple (which was later built/completed during Solomon’s reign).

“Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the Lord with a whole heart, and King David also rejoiced greatly.  So David blessed the Lord in the sight of all the assembly; and David said, ‘Blessed are You, O Lord God of Israel our father, forever and ever.

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.  Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone.  Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name.”  (1 Chron. 29:9-13)

When God’s people get ‘it’ right – whatever ‘it’ happens to be – great things happen, things worthy of notice, of admiration.  When God’s people get ‘it’ right, God’s name is praised and glorified.  When God’s people get ‘it’ right, God’s people are filled with joy and a vision of generosity.  And when God’s people get ‘it’ right, we get a glimpse into God’s original intention in creation.

So what is ‘it’ for you?  Where is it that you’re needing to see or remember God’s vision in your life?  The popular rabbinic statement, “Those who have ears to hear, let them hear,” comes to mind, although I would offer a slight rewording to “Those who have eyes to see, let them see.”  May we have eyes to see God’s vision for us, the people around us, and indeed all of creation.  May we capture kingdom vision and devote ourselves wholly in allegiance to the King of Kings.

Not sure where to start?  Consider Jesus’ words to the apostles in John 13:34,35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Do “all men” currently recognize you as His disciple?  How well do you love others?  How well do you love the Church?  Perhaps for some of us (or all of us) the ‘it’ that we’ve been missing is this simple, yet astounding principle – to love one another even as Christ has loved us.  In this way we can serve as kingdom priests, ministers of reconciliation and the bearers of the Gospel message, which really is Good News of great joy for all people – Immanuel, and freedom from the oppressive bondage to sin and unfulfillment.