If I haven't beaten this horse enough, I have a photo blog. I try to update it daily but usually every couple of days I update for the past few days. I'm planning I will continue to update it while I'm in Australia to give pleasure to your eyes. (No telling about Fiji though due to living with a family and internet access..but I will update for the days I miss once I get internet access!) Anyways, so along with the photo I try to put a little blurb from the devotional I'm reading, Chris Tiegreen's "At His Feet" and todays blew me away. Easily my favorite one. Since I only put a small part from the devotional on the photoblog I thought I'd write out the whole devotional on my regular blog. Sound like a good idea? Perfect. (Also, has anyone noticed how good I am getting at keeping up with my blog!?) Here it goes!
"January 14th-Luke 10:38-42
"Martha,...you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed." Luke 10:41-42
IN WORD: We are called to serve God. There is no dispute among believers about this; the Bible is very clear. He has made us for Himself, and Jesus frequently calls us to obedience and service. So Jesus' words to Martha may seem strange to us. Why does someone who has called us to obedience tell His servant to stop working, sit down, and listen?
The answer lies in God's priority for us. Nowhere in the Bible are we told to serve Him at the expense of knowing Him. Having made us for Himself, He does not at first fashion us for usefulness. He fashions us for knowing Him.
This is far removed from utilitarian thinking. When we make something, we usually make it for a practical purpose. Our only occasion to make something for the sake of its own beauty is when we are being creative and artistic. Parents can relate; few of us have children in order to have more help around the house. We have children to know them and enjoy them. So it is with God. He is first and foremost an Artist, a Craftsman, and a Father who enjoys His children. He is not a factory worker manufacturing a product.
Is this hard to grasp? We often see our Creator as a utilitarian God looking for an end result-- a practical end result. We view Him in terms of obedience and service. It's easier for us--that's how we would look at things if we were in His place. We are great fans of usefulness; when things are no longer useful, we usually throw them away.
IN DEED: What is God's view toward you? Is He only after your usefulness? No, the Artist wants to enjoy His work. He seeks satisfaction in His technique and creativity--processes which continue on in your life every day. He will use you well, but not before He has enjoyed your company. What is God's will for you? Jesus' words to Martha give us deep insight into His heart. He first wants us at His feet. Above all, He wants us to learn from Him."
P.S. Here's the link to my photoblog!
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