Obed-Edom and Jehiah were also to be doorkeepers for the ark.
I had a funny realization last week that when it comes to brand names, the first items popping in my head are those I see on grocery shelves. Not that mothers care less about fashion, but more because it took us a lot of time to mark one ‘my brand’. The taste test phase can be tiring and discouraging, especially when very honest kids are your critics. Husbands can be forgiving but we know what that means. And so my search won’t stop until I hear him say ‘write this down!’. There’s that sense of accomplishment walking back through those alleys and stopping exactly at the preferred item for the pick. No more re-reading labels. No more counting calories. I can even have unexpected guest without worries. For when it’s tried and tested, I know it will taste good!
Chronicles is a book with a lot of names. I had to consciously read each one aloud to keep me from skipping what seems to be irrelevant to life. But since I’m not an expectant parent needing baby tags, my stops are on those familiar personalities. This morning, I saw him again: Obed-Edom. It took me just one page flip to remember he was the Gittite whose house was where the Ark of the Covenant was parked temporarily because of the Uzzah incident. It stayed with them for three months and God blessed his household and everything he had. It was surprising to see him in this chapter next to the pool of Levite musicians appointed for the service. His name was with three others and their designation was to be doorkeepers for the Ark. His leaders may have noted that the fact that he’s still alive meant God saw him fit near His presence. But what caught me most was the picture of his glad heart to have been given this extended privilege. Truth is, it was not the Ark who found shelter in his home. They were the ones who actually found refuge in Him. He had seen and tasted the goodness of the Lord firsthand. And the taste was so good, he’d rather be there than a thousand elsewhere.
Admittedly, I am one of those gullible consumers that when new products hit the market, will give in for a test try. Nearly always, the disappointment leads me back to my trusted brands, with a little ‘i hate myself for the discontent’ of course. Not that my marked brand failed me, but more because I am one depraved being. I guess it’s the same foolishness when we continue to roam around, looking for fulfilment here and there, when all the ingredients we need for an abundant life is found in God. Today I pray to have that gladness in Obed-Edom’s heart. That countenance that says ‘I have tasted the Lord’s goodness and it is so good!’ No need to taste-test other brands, for they’ll sure be bland. No need to try out other fads, for they’ll sure fade and not last. Compare that to His words that are sweeter than honey, and like milk nourishing the soul. Looks good? I say, it tastes even better! Bon appétit :>
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