Taking Sides

2 Kings 9:32,33

He looked up at the window and called out, "Who is on my side? Who?" Two or three eunuchs looked down at him. "Throw her down!" Jehu said. So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered the wall and the horses as they trampled her underfoot.

In our highschool group page the other week, a personal issue flared up. One of my guy batchmates posted an accusation in all caps, almost bold prints, with exclamation points all over. It was against my friend who, according to him, borrowed his cellphone and never had the shame to return it. The page admin thought it best to delete his post for it negatively affects the group. It was taken offensively as expected. I asked my friend for the real story, and although she admitted the phone was with her, it was not because she was keeping it for herself. There was a prior agreement between her and the wife. She’s choosing to keep her silence because it would do more harm than good. In keeping with peace, but trying not to meddle with their issues, I opted not to take sides and encouraged him to choose to resolve it among themselves. He did not take it well either. Not taking sides, for him, is still not taking his side.  

After his anointing as next king of Israel, Jehu straight away pursued his first mandate: destroy the house of Ahab. With his army officers’ full support, he rode to Jezreel and there took the lives of kings Joram and Ahaziah. Next in line was the wicked Jezebel who promoted Baal worship in Israel and ordered the slaughter of Jewish prophets. He found her looking out of a palace window, face-painted with glamour and dressed in confidence. She was defiant to the end. But Jehu disregarded her intimidation and called out for allegiance from inside. And there, two or three eunuchs who had been attending the queen for three generations, possibly fed up with her cruelties, answered Jehu’s call and threw her down the window. It was enough proof of their new loyalty. T’was like a replay of that scene down Mount Sinai when the Levites’ allegiance to God caused them to kill three thousand of their Israelite brothers who bowed down to the golden calf.  In God’s fight against His honor, He takes no neutral side for an answer. Standing on His side and just standing up there are two different things.

There will be many points in our lives when we're called to take sides. The closer the relation, the harder it will be. For how can we choose between our boss and a co-worker, our teacher against our friends, our parent or our partner? It’s heartbreaking! But who says Jehu was calling the eunuchs to his side over their queen? Or Moses making them choose between his leadership or their friendship bonds? The ultimate question is what Joshua aired that time at Shechem:  ‘Choose today whom you will serve.. the gods or the Lord?’  It is not a question of who’s closer to us, or whom we love better, or who has no one but us to back them up. The Lord’s side is that road which proclaims His worth, preserve His works, and promote His ways. It may not win by popular vote. We can even find ourselves alone there and an enemy of both. But know it is the right way and God will bless you for your faith.  

Friends and Bubbles

2 Samuel 9:18

“Don’t be afraid”, David said to him, “for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”

When God graced me with a bubbly personality, He also blessed with me a lot of friends - - in sets. My gradeschool classmates, especially those sharing six-years loyalty with me,  are my considered honorary siblings; my high school barkadas (yes, with ‘S’) are still my best gimmick, out-of-the-box buds; my college bunch are my ever reliable, burden bearers; and my 21^st century friends (haha!), are my all-season partners in life. I have to mention there are also those variedly-categorized few and they too are treasured much. I wouldn’t be a happy bubble without them. They are the air that blows me away, stretches me to form different shapes. They are the soap that keeps me from evaporating fast, supporting my thin wall instead of popping me up. And when our reflections interfere constructively, we produce bands of color! Never thought I'd be poetic for those guys, hahaha!! Oh I so miss them all now…. :<

Like David, most of us have a thousand and one stuff to attend to and couldn’t easily afford sometime off for some memory lane. You have your desks full and deadlines to meet, I have kids to homeschool and a curriculum project to complete, and David has a kingdom to build from ruins. It took him more than a decade to finally sit down and check his friendship log. Better late than later :> Jonathan was first in mind. They promised to show unfailing kindness to each other and to their descendants. I wonder if it’s the same idea we have to see our kids being best friends with our best friends’ kids :> He inquired a broad search for Saul’s household and found one last member, the crippled Mephibosheth. As he was honored with a robe and a sword by the lad’s father when he was still little known, David now returns the favor and honored the son with a seat on his table and the inheritance due him as grandson of the late king Saul.  He gave much because he loved Jonathan much. Truly, a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

While writing this, a message popped on my screen and it was a message from my honorary sister. She was asking for yaya-referrals for my inaanak. I was smiling at how God readily prepared an action point for me. She has been an all-time friend. Her home was our playhouse and a soundboard when we’re singing Head Over Heels at the top of our lungs. We had many crying sessions over the phone and shared each other’s love stories too. She need not ask twice for me to lend a hand - - because she asked, and because God sent her to me. But today’s message is beyond helping out an asking friend in need. God wants us to make that initiative to know how are friends are and be all-there, as before, to be His comfort when they're burdened, or hopefully they're better so we could share their joys.  Care to join my bubble journey today? Our friends might just be already popped out if we delay another year. Do you know that when one bubble meets with another, the smaller one will bulge into the larger bubble? You’d be surprised how WE will come out bigger after today :>

God-Sent

1 Samuel 23:15-16

“While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come to take his life. And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.”

my clay birthday cake
from rilian

When the clocked ticked 12 midnight earlier, I was greeted with my fave chocolate drink and the warmest hug from my husband. Happy Birthday To Me! Today is the first time I will have to celebrate it so far from everyone else. I usually look forward to a full week eating out with friends, have all my favorites cooked by my mom, and have an exclusive date with Tris. I laid in bed feeling a big bit lonely for all those are out of the question now. Who’s to greet me here? And then I woke up wrestled by my kids. When they saw me open my eyes, I got hugs and kisses and ‘I love you mom’s’ - - enough to lift the shadow of the lonely night. ‘Life is so beautiful!’ I can’t help but say. An hour later, the water delivery boy came in for our refill and saw me baking blueberry muffins. I reasoned we’re having a special breakfast for my special day. He right away shifted to an upbeat tone and gave me a greeting. The sincerity warmed my heart and I was still smiling when he left. I’m sure he was God-sent. I may not be able to go and be with those I’m now missing, but who says God can’t send His people to me?

The last Psalm David wrote before coming to Keilah was the 142^nd.  He was in a cave, away from family and friends, and verse four sadly paints what greatly pains his heart: ‘Look to my right and see, no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge, no one cares for my life.’ This warrior became a child. As if adding to his heavy soul, these people whom he rescued from those looting Philistines will surrender him to Saul, thus the need to flee again. Day after day he was being searched by the jealous king, although God did not allow him to be found. But God’s kindness happened. Jonathan, his best friend, out of nowhere, came and helped him find strength in God. We can read the same scenario in Gethsemane. Jesus, being in anguish, His sweat like drops of blood falling to the ground, all-knowing of the cross that lies before Him, was visited by an angel from heaven to strengthen Him. Strongholds may fail, disciples may sleep, mountains may be shaken and the hills be removed, but God’s love remains. An ever-present help in time of trouble.

It’s my thirty-sixth year today and I’ve lost count of the many times God has sent people to secure me of His love. For lending a hand, listening to my cries, making me laugh-loud, for every needed push, and the necessary pulls, my dear friends, thank you. You we’re God-sent, and yes, I miss you all.  Allow me to return the favor, for God is sending me too. I may not know in detail all that you’re going through - -  loneliness, heartbreak, stagnation, persecution, sickness, lost of direction, failure - - but know that God is able to fill your empty cups. Find strength in Him for we can’t have it elsewhere. ‘Call upon Me’,  God says in Psam 91:15,  ‘..and I will answer. I will be with you in trouble. I will rescue you and honor you. With long life I will satisfy you.’ A blessed day ahead, my God-sent friends, and again, Happy Birthday to me :>

Name It!

1 Samuel 20:4

“Jonathan said to David, ‘Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you’.”

Gary Chapman, in his book The Five Languages of Love, wrote about the importance of expressing love to your partner in the manner they best understand. It can be through words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time, acts of service, and gifts. As a parent, I find the last one most appreciated by my kids. And so I try to find ways to fill this love tank to the best of my ability, and budget :> From chocolates to stickers, cookies to toy-lets (haha!), I keep these supplies within reach as an anytime surprise. But there’s also that different delight when I ask the daring, no holds barred question, ‘What surprise do you want?’ It’s a joy at both ends. They’re puffed up to get THEIR idea of cravings, and it’s always a pleasure to carry it out. Of course I knew they wouldn’t ask for Little Tikes or Wii games. For if they’re exposed with those, I wouldn’t open the limitless sky, haha!

Hearing his friend’s misery from maltreatment, Jonathan offered him not just sympathy, but service. He knew David has never wronged them. He mentioned that to Saul himself in the previous chapter. But with these turn of events, he’s being pushed to take sides. He’s understandably confused, but not blinded. Holding on to truth and trusting his friend, he asked ‘Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you’. He has proven David’s worth and walk. That’s his certificate of confidence. And David did not fail him again. He could have taken this advantage and asked him to readily force in a battle against Saul. They’re both respected and able leaders. They could easily organize a coup, if they weren’t God-fearing. David considered the struggle Jonathan is going through. His sensitivity and selflessness caused him to allow Jonathan to confirm it for himself. That's what friends do. I’m sure it’s no coincidence that when the blind Bartimaeus called Jesus ‘the Son of David’, our Messiah uttered the same words, “What do you want me to do for you?’  In His sovereignty, this could still be in honor of David’s unfailing kindness to Jonathan’s line. Can’t help praising God for how His kingdom works!

A covenant of love is always two-sided. God offered to grant all things asked in His name and if according to His will. What we ask, it will be given. When we seek, we will find. When we knock, He will open. Oh how we all love His promises! But as children, we don’t just enjoy house privileges, we share in the responsibilities too. That’s our side of the love relationship. God wants to shower us with blessings but sometimes our hearts are not yet ready for the taking. David has proven it with his worth and walk. Have we completed ours?

Friend In Deed

1 Samuel 19:2-3

“My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there. I will go out and stand with my father in the field where you are. I will speak to him about you and tell you what I find out.”

It’s Valentine’s Day today. Next to Christmas, it’s the best season to show and send love. According to one site, 70% of those celebrating this special day give a card, followed by a phone call, gift, special dinner, candies/chocolates, and flowers. Ours fell on the meal category. I got a good fish and chips lunch treat from my husband yesterday. I returned the favor with a feel-good breakfast this morning: hot chocolate, bacon, eggs and toast. The kids got their Chips Ahoy too. It’s a wonderful once-in-a-while indulgence. Can’t wait for my birthday for the repeat :>

Jonathan was so fond of David that he took off his own robe and gave it to him along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt. But his love went beyond gift-giving and crossed over to life-giving. When Saul told them he wanted David killed, he did not just oppose his father’s will in his heart, he went to David for the leakage. That’s enough for him to win Mr. Friendship! But he did not stop until all is settled. He possibly waited for the perfect timing to deliver his script. We’ve all been there. Asking for an allowance increase is difficult already, how much more this plea. Seeing a window opening, he was even able to rebuke his father for his unwise and unreasonable decisions. Saul listened and so David was temporarily spared. Jonathan acted over and above what is expected of him. His love was more than words.

When a friend is in need, we pray for him. And because we love, we kneel until we hear God answer. When a friend is in need, we encourage him. And because we love, we ask for updates so we can refresh him again. When a friend is in need, we help him. And because we love, we will move from knowing the problem to all-out seeking the best solution. The good Samaritan was not even a friend but he took that extra mile. Jesus said, there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. He walked His talk. Have we? Only a friend IN DEED is a friend INDEED!  

Choose Your Battles

1 Samuel 17:23,24,26,28

“Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it. When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him in fear. David asked the men standing near him, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” When Eliab, David’s older brother, heard him speaking with men, he burned with anger at him.”

Around lunch time yesterday, I was informed of a smut campaign against a dear friend. The author was able to hack through his email accounts and forwarded the slander to his contacts. This was done behind anonymity, and apparently, she’s been bugging around for three years now. Her wicked schemes and the damage she’s creating never stopped because nobody was bold enough to confront her. They wouldn’t risk being noticed. And they’re right. One dared and is now in the hot seat. My ‘informer’ was not intimidated either. Being a godly man, he saw the bigger need to expose her lies in God’s light, and in love of course. My friend alerted his leaders too. His main concern is if and how this could affect the Name he carries, especially since he’s involved in a public ministry. She may have shouted out defiance, but God’s people heard it. We need not hide, nor run in fear.

We all know there are two responses to every challenge we face. One is fear, the other is faith. The former walks backward, the latter runs forward. One sees the big problem and all its odds, the faithful sees the Almighty God, bigger and sure to overcome. But sometimes, there’s the lukewarm party who neither attacks nor retreats. Big brother Eliab cared less if they lose this war, not with his youngest brother taking the credit. And so he burned with anger at the sight of David’s noble line of thought. His words were hurting and humiliating. Goliath was bragging out there, but Jesse’s giant defied from within. Without his sling and stone, the young shepherd already won one battle here. As brothers, they knew each other’s flaws, but David never took that advantage. He asked for and in truth, and so with clean confidence, he turned around and chose the battle worth further fighting for.

Are the challenges we’re facing today worth our time and all?  Are we burning with anger for the sins committed or because of its personal inconvenience to us? Jesus overthrew the buy-and-sell stalls outside God’s temple, but he calmly addressed those questioning why he dined with sinners. What’s the difference? Think about it. Go and choose likewise.