Susan LaffertyBorders of inheritance. Precise allotments. Land portions, surveyed and described in detail.
Joshua sent a handful of scouts ahead. Into the promised land.
And they mapped out places for the tribes.
Then cast lots to decide who got what.
Someone else’s surrender will not do. David knows this.
Thank you, Araunah, but “I will not offer to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:18-25)
He buys the threshing floor, the oxen. For a price. Then builds an altar and makes the offerings to God.
Each of us must consider the cost of following Christ. And someone else’s surrender will not do.
2020. And the pandemic spreads to the ends of the earth. We wait. And walk in constant change. Cancellations. Upheaval.
Those serving around the world are affected. Some caught in months of lockdown. Stopped at borders. Forced to leave. Or forced to stay in their home countries.
At times it feels overwhelming. As we grieve unexpected losses.
In the middle of it all, I’m drawn back to a familiar psalm of deliverance. Psalm 18. Detailing the sure and powerful rescue by the Almighty.
This time I read the first verse. Stop. And can’t move past it.
I’m compelled in that moment. To reach beyond grief. And dwell on the deep, deep love of my King. Lover of my soul.
