Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 28, 2014
He [David] said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.” Nathan replied to the king, “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you. 2 Samuel 7:2-3
Prophets push us to change for the better. They remind us of God’s standards of better behavior, better beliefs, and a better world. These gifted discerners cut through the chaos of a crisis clearly defining what’s needed to correct the course of a life adrift, a country without moral moorings, or an organization in transition. Prophets are not always popular, because what they proclaim is not popular. Apathy snuggles up to the status quo, while prophets call for change.
Preservers on the other hand, are content to maintain what’s been established. They are risk averse and want to protect what’s been gained over years of hard work. Some companies have risk management departments to assess the probabilities of success and failure. Preservers follow behind prophets to codify change, so it can be sustained. Thus, prophets and preservers are necessary in God’s game plan. One without the other weakens the overall effectiveness of both.
“Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you” (1 Samuel 10:7).
Nathan was a prophet who challenged David to follow hard after God. He also confronted David in his moral failure and called him to confession and repentance. Ironically, David wanted to build a temple for God, but the Lord left that assignment to his son Solomon. So, are you a prophet or a preserver? Perhaps you are a prophet, but God is leading you to invest more time in preserving relationships and results. The stewardship of your life work requires preservation.
Furthermore, you may be a preserver who opposes change. You have calculated faith right out of the equation. A life led by the Spirit sometimes engages an unconventional course of action. Thus, be open handed in your giving, open minded in your thinking, and openly Christian in your conversations. Invite a prophet into your life who will tell you in love what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. Prophets and preservers complement well those who follow God’s will.
“Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it” (Luke 17:33).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the humility to listen to prophets and the discipline to preserve Your ways.
Related Readings: Exodus 16:34; Joshua 1:5; Proverbs 3:21; Matthew 9:17; Luke 1:28; Galatians 2:5
Post/Tweet today: Apathy snuggles up to the status quo, while prophets call for change. #wisdomhunters
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© 2014 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
