Call Slips

1 Kings 16:34

In Ahab's time, Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho. He laid its foundations at the cost of his firstborn son Abiram, and he set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, in accordance with the word of the LORD spoken by Joshua son of Nun.

I served as a dormitory monitor in my last two years in Febias. My main responsibility was to check the Sharon Hall ladies’ compliance to the set rules. Schedules were posted and instructions were printed (and explained) so that tasks will be done promptly and thoroughly. Forgetting, ignoring, or failing to perform had its equivalent ‘hours work’. And we do issue two warning ‘call slips’ as grace period. That’s two personal appearances to the Resident Surpervisor, with counseling if needed.  What is sad is that a lot still end up doing the work load. Some even opt to pile it up ‘til the end of the semester and so you’d see them spending their two week break, even their summer months, finishing their time. I wonder: would a couple more warnings prevent the scenario? How about adding ‘hard’ to those ‘hours’ work? If neither before nor after is the key, ain’t what is left in between is the heart issue?

Five hundred years ago before the time of Ahab, Joshua son of Nun proclaimed the LORD's warning to anyone who would defy the LORD's will by rebuilding the fortress of Jericho: ‘at the cost of his firstborn son will he lay its foundations; at the cost of his youngest will he set up its gates’. The collapse of the city walls was a testimony of God’s power over the Canaanites’ lifeless gods and all man-made structures. All Israel knew that, and all who walked along those ruins knew the story. Now here come a man from Bethel name Hiel who dared and defied God’s instructions. Some may argue he was ignorant of the curse. But with the death of his firstborn when he laid Jericho’s foundations, he sure may have heard people refer back to the curse. That was his first warning.  But he continued ‘til the gates were set up and ‘til his youngest son Sugub suffered the same fate. Some scholars commented it was actually from his firstborn to the last one. That would mean more than two warnings for him.  Sadly, he persisted in his defiance.

‘God is patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance’.  He sends call slips to keep our feet from that final slip.  Uriah’s twice refusal to go down to his house was His warning to David’s; Peter had two more chances from his first denial; how long did Noah built that ark? shall I include Pharaoh’s plagues too? Counting all the prophets and seers, pastors and godly leaders, parents and friends around us, how many more do we need to confirm that God will accomplish His word to the last stroke of the pen? How long will we cuddle that sin?  Next brick might already be at the expense of our loved one. Another one and we could lose them all. God is serious in keeping His holy and righteous rule. Mind those call slips now. Seriously.   

Tired and Frozen

2 Samuel 23:10

‘But he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead.’

Today is Febias entrance exam day. Brings back memories. And yes, I'm one proud alumna. My five year stay inside its premises not only shaped me for ministry, it also strengthened me for life. Classroom instructions, countless readings and chapel services well provided me with biblical inputs and insights, plus of course those competent professors who inspired me with their excellence and experiences.  But what really sets the school apart is the wisdom behind the required dorm residency. It perfectly defines consistency and character. A platform to practice what is preached.  It not only reflects whether lifechange transpired, it also provides the reason why some were next called to great exploits, while others never even made it to finish. Privileged to be a dorm monitor in my time, I witnessed that distinction firsthand. Given the same requirements and responsibilities, and having comparable personal and relational issues, one part of Sharon Hall maintained  time management, self-discipline, consideration for others, and deep devotion to God, while the other part skips library time, crams a lot, delays room cleaning, complains aloud, and oversleeps. Don’t ask me which side I belong. I do have my regrets too, hahaha :>

Just before the closing rites of the book of Samuel, we find a list of David’s mighty men.  Although most were unmentioned in the earlier accounts, they were never forgotten. God saw it fit to honor their fights and faith in the end, specifically after David’s last words, for us to see that his successful journey is not without help. We should never fail to recognize those unsung heroes behind our God-given success. Their faithful prayers, warm encouragements and timely affirmations did win a lot of battles on the side. Shammah protected that field full of lentils, probably for their supplies; Josheb-Basshebeth  took eight hundred in one spear, that’s one load off from David; and Eleazar defied the Philistine ranks, supporting David in his convictions. But what is extraordinary with the Three is that they fought these battles while everybody else was retreating. They stood their ground alone and despite the odds. Eleazar’s hand was mentioned as striking the enemies till his hand froze to the sword. They never gave up and did not let go. Plus their hearts were right with God and He brought about a great victory through them.

Many people wonder why life is unfair and that they seem to be always down here while others are enjoying up there. What they fail to see is what took place behind the curtains while they were just gazing there, forever wondering. I sometimes envy excellent pianists, but maybe if I could adjust my envy to their long hours of practice, alone in a room instead of hanging out with friends, then maybe I’d get somewhere, right?  We wish our names would be famous and be inspiring, but how come we’re first to leave the workplace, absent during trainings, unmindful of our co-workers, and silent with our convictions? God strengthens those that are fully committed to Him. He sets ablaze those that are already fired up for Him. We don’t wait for a win, we fight - - though it's tiring, till we're frozen --  and God will honor us with that win.