“Let
your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you
have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake
you’.” Hebrews
13:5
It
is not easy to be content with what we have if our minds are constantly on things
others have; this is the writer’s admonition in advising us to conduct
ourselves “without covetousness”. It must be even more difficult for the
folks of Moore OK who, according to morning new reports, will be “months”
before finally settling into a place they can call their own, having lost in
many cases everything they ever owned or ever loved.
The
assurance the writer proclaims, however, is not about whether or when we will
regain what we once thought we owned; the assurance is about what is to be
gained in faithfulness. The writer is quoting from Joshua as the
people of Israel are about to cross into the Promised Land. Joshua had
been the faithful one throughout the wilderness journey and had been designated
Moses’ successor as leader of God’s people. The Lord had assured Joshua
that as long as he remained faithful to the Lord and the Lord’s Law, the Lord
will “never leave or forsake” him (Joshua 1:5-9).
Remember
this assurance is not about what Joshua or the Israelites “had” or think they
owned; it is about what the Lord has in store for those who live in faith and
obedience to Him and, yes, His Law. It is not about God loving us “no
matter what”, as some cheap-grace theologians might try to preach. This
divine love is, of course, a given at the Crucifixion, but a faithful response
of the people is also required. It is about faithfully being God’s people
in a godless world and preparing to enter into the Lord’s domain. It is
not about what we think we have; it is entirely about what God wills us to have
for the Journey – and - at the Journey’s end.
Blessings,
Michael
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