I had planned to share the thoughts of this post with you on a Sunday later this month, but as seems to be happening quite a lot with me, God changed the schedule on me. (Schedule? What schedule?) And as I listened to His whisper in my heart, I knew that He wanted me to hear more about The Body of Christ, and my part in it.
Our family has been a part of many churches over the years, but there was a very unique time when a window opened for us to be part of a Messianic Jewish Congregation. What a Precious Time of Fellowship we enjoyed, as we were stretched to see Foundations to our Faith, and Unity in the Body in new ways.
One of our favorite musicians during this time was Marty Goetz, and when I came across this song recently, I felt such a stirring in my heart, because the Lord had been asking me to look at this very topic as it related to my Chronic Illness Journey.
As I have had such limitations placed on my physical abilities, I have found new meaning to the title, "Shut-in." Most Sundays find me at home, unable to attend church, fighting against a sense of being cut-off. I have so much more compassion for those who are left on the fringes of the Church these days.
But, truthfully, where DOES my part fit in now, here in this quiet and secluded place? I have spent many days asking God this very question. And my heart resonated with the beautiful thoughts of a dear blogger friend, Joy, of "WordsofJoy" as she wrote about being marooned and feeling adrift.
Click here to visit her post
Click here to visit her post
So when I flipped the page on my Scripture Calendar tonight, the Living Word gripped my heart yet again:
1 Samuel 30:24 (NIV) Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.”
What is the setting for this passage? David and his men had just fought a huge battle. So exhausting in fact, that as they prepared for the next siege, part of his men were too weary to fight any longer. Those 200 men stayed behind and were left to guard the gear, while the rest of the men continued on. After the batle was won, and the plunder was being divided, a group of disgruntled warriors suggested that the weary, left-behind soldiers should not have a share in the plunder.
This is when David responds, with what would amount to our saying,
"No way is anyone gonna listen to you guys!"
and proceeded to set a precedent that remained in place for all of his reign:
Those who were weary and had to stay behind, even if only to guard the supplies, were entitled to equal shares in the rewards.
How many times have we placed more value on those in the front-lines of service, the visible places of action? I know I have been in that place, out in front, but I've also been the quiet one behind the scene, serving when no one is aware.
But this place of staying behind because of weariness is a different way of serving, from my point of view.
According to King David, I have a place of value HERE also.
Perhaps you are one of those left behind. Or maybe your loved one is that left behind shut-in. Lift up your gaze. We being many, are one in Christ.
And there is much value still for those
left behind ones.
This is Day 8 for the #Write31Days Challenge.
Join me tomorrow as I continue in this Journey of
#31 Days of Listening with Chronic Illness
Bettie, I am reading this and listening to the beautiful song on a Sunday. Both your encouraging words and this lovely worship music brought tears to my eyes and hope to my soul. I truly relate to what you say here: "this place of staying behind because of weariness is a different way of serving", because that's exactly how God has helped me view this shut-in life we lead. It can feel so 'less than' and invisible at times, yet we are every bit a vital part of the body of Christ as any other, and our work is just as valuable to His Kingdom purposes. Thank you for this great reminder, and for linking up to Words of Joy. I am touched and honoured! Bless you as you wait for that sweet infant to arrive! xox <3
ReplyDeleteDear Joy, I am a bit late getting back to my comments because of that sweet infant's arrival! :) But I am so grateful for your words that you share so openly as we walk this path of weariness. Isn't our Lord so good to us to bring His Word to cheer us on at just the right time? I am so blessed that He does see our work "just as valuable to His Kingdom purposes." Blessings to you! xoxo
DeleteThis is such an encouraging reminder, Bettie. Thank you so much. You have such a beautiful place right here at this blog. I can so often relate to what you write. You often lift me up in the hope there is in Jesus. It's so strange that when we feel at a place of left-behind, God uses us to reach others who we wouldn't otherwise come in contact with. God is so gracious in using our pain to His glory and the encouragement of fainting hearts. Blessings and hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteDear Trudy, Thank you for your gracious words! And I know what you mean because your words have lifted me so many times also! And, yes, I am still amazed at the contacts that God has brought in these digital connections, that I am sure I would not have found had it not been for this path He "sidetracked" me on. But I believe the "sidetracked" is purely my view--He knew all along where we would be, didn't He? --Blessings and Hugs to you my friend!
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