Scripture

Our verse for today comes from 2 Samuel 20:13, ” When he was removed from the highway, all the people went on after Joab to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri. “

Background

It sounds simple enough. If something is in your way, then you move it and continue on. If the kids left a bicycle or scooter in the driveway, then you roll it into the yard and drive off in your car. After a big storm has come through, you might have to drag off some branches to clear the way, or the DOT may need to work on some trees to re-open the roads. What about something that’s less obstructive, like the slow-developing clog in your bathroom sink? Over time, you can begin to notice the water draining out a little slower than it did before. The clog is not fully restricting the drain yet, but you know that it’s only a matter of time. When does it become too much of a nuisance so that you finally take the measures to clean it out and restore it to maximum drainage efficiency? Now, what about something that might not fully dam up the works, but can cause a lot of pain, such as a kidney stone? If you suffer from these, you have no control over when they decide to break loose and do their damage. At best, you can modify your diet to reduce the risk, and then manage the pain once the unfortunate process begins, but you ultimately are at the mercy of the stone. 

Application

Each of these scenarios could be an image of your relationship with God. There might be obvious and addressable issues between you and Him. There may be a gradual build-up that is increasing the distance between your heart and His. Or, there might be some painful things that are not fully within your power to control or fix, and you can only do so much and then have faith that God is able to make things new. Whatever the case, wherever you are on the continuum of drawing closer to or moving further from God, the primary question will always be about how much of God do you want? And how much of yourself do you want God to have? When you answer these questions, then you will begin to open up what may feel clogged or distant. 

Charge

As we seek Him today, look to clear up and get rid of what may be keeping you from the closeness that God wants with you. 

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words