Gazing upon the Lord

“ . . . we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT

The day dawned warm, winds breezy, and skies clear. A perfect day for my daughter’s wedding. After quickly eating breakfast, I headed off to meet the bride and four other young ladies at the beauty salon. Two were there for support and fun, the others of us for hair and make-up. While three salon staff members attended to our needs, we shared jokes, gave advice and admired the bride’s ever-increasing beauty. As the time passed for my turn in the stylist’s chair, and knowing that my daughter wanted to keep to her schedule, I wondered if the staff had forgotten about me. After quietly discussing this with my daughter, we politely quizzed the staff as to when one would be ready to do my hair. As there were just 15 minutes left for our allotted salon time, they quickly got me started. Following a few minutes of small talk with my stylist, she commented, “I’m amazed! Your bridal party is so calm and happy. Usually, the bride and her entourage are anxious, fighting, and stressed out. Your group is such a pleasant change!” Surprised, I replied, “Oh, we’re just enjoying this wonderful day!”

My daughter has such lovely friends that I could only imagine a pleasant time together. Later, I mentioned the stylist’s comments to one the gals. She immediately knew why. “That’s because we’re Christians and have the love of Jesus in our hearts!” She was right, of course. I should have thought of that back at the salon. What a lovely witness we were; if only we had revealed the Good News that lies within our hearts!

How did we get this way? Speaking only for myself, moving toward my goal to become more like Christ, I wish to:
“love one another” (1 John 4:7);
“remain in Jesus and He will remain in me” (John 15:4);
“be humble, thinking of others as better than myself. To not only think about my own affairs, but to be interested in others and what they are doing” (Philippians 2:3,4);
“stay away from complaining and arguing” (Philippians 2:14);
“praise God and King, and bless His name forever” (Psalm 145:1);
“be blessed as I help the poor” (Proverbs 14:21);
“let God transform me into a new person by changing the way I think” (Romans 12:2);
“be strong and courageous and obey God laws. . . and study His Word continually” (Joshua 1:6-8).

For, “it is by our actions that we know we living in the truth” (1 John 3:19). Therefore, just as we allow the stylist to enhance the look of our hair, let us allow the Spirit to work within us so that we may more brightly reflect the Lord’s glorious qualities.

Despite my inadequacies, Lord, thank you that your Spirit is slowly transforming me into one who reflects, even in a small way, your love, peace, mercy and grace. Humbled by the attention you give me, may I, in turn, share that blessing with others. Amen.

Details, Details!

The Lord said to Moses, “I want the people of Israel to build me a sacred residence where I can live among them. You must make this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the plans I will show you.” Exodus 25:8, 9 NLT

Have you ever heard a Christian say, “I prayed for the parking spot nearest the door; and just as I arrived, a car pulled away from that very spot”? Some people think this
sounds silly. They ask, “Why bother God with such little details?” To them I say, “Have you read the Old Testament? It’s full of lengthy passages with God detailing His plans for His people.” For instance, while laying out His architectural blueprints, God describes the construction of the Tabernacle (worship centre) and all its equipment: “Make an Ark of acacia wood-a sacred chest 3¼ feet long, 2¼ feet wide, and 2¼ feet high. Overlay it inside and outside with pure gold and put a molding of gold all around it” (Exodus 25:10, 11). Next, carrying a tape measure, needle, and thread, He explains the design of the special uniform the priests are to wear when ministering in the Tabernacle: “The chestpiece will be made of two folds of cloth, forming a pouch nine inches square. Four rows of gemstones will be attached to it. The first row will contain a red carnelian, a chrysolite, and an emerald. The second row . . .” (28:16, 17). Following this chapter, with His clipboard and checklist in hand, He announces the exact procedure for the dedication ceremony of the priests. In addition to building projects and priestly procedures, God, wearing a khaki-coloured helmet, frequently reveals detailed military strategies to Israel’s army commanders (see Joshua 6 about the taking of Jericho). And finally, if we were not yet persuaded that God is “Lord of all details”, then we can read the Book of Leviticus which contains chapters describing the worship and offerings required by the Israelites – all to show them how to lead holy lives before the Lord their God. Now, convinced of God’s interest in life’s little things, I consider in which areas of my life I involve Him.

On a conscious level, I try to include God in everything I do. As big plans usually involve others, such as family events, ministry work, traveling, or community involvement, I pray about each situation and ask God to show me His way. Further, for matters of less significance I usually seek God’s intervention at the moment of need. For instance, while shopping with my husband for a ‘father-of-the-bride’ suit, we could not find a tie with the right ‘wedding’ colours in it. After the second store yielded nothing, and upon entering the third store, I said a quick prayer asking God to find us the tie. I rounded the next display shelf and there it was, the perfect tie; and on sale, too! In addition, for creative endeavors I like to have an on-going conversation with God who leads me to pleasing results. Finally, for troubles involving tools or technology, I always ask God to make them work! Although, most of time I want God involved in my details, there are other times when I just proceed on my own.

It is on the sub-conscious level where I sometimes forget about God. Occasionally, when I get a great idea, I just excitedly proceed without prayerfully considering the effects of my project on others. Usually, it is almost too late when I remember that, “I should have prayed about this!” Then, in my embarrassment, I need to backtrack and sometimes apologize for my haste. It is these times when I definitely need God in my details!

After studying the many passages in the Bible that reveal God’s love of details, I realize that God not only cares for the grand scheme of things but also for the little things in my life, and yours. So, although a parking spot is a small thing, asking God to be involved in our daily walk keeps us tuned into His desires and strengthens our relationship with Him.

Lord, thank you that you are interested in the details of everyday life. Thank you that, upon creating us, you did not leave us alone to make our own way, but that you are available with your infinite resources to bless us along our life’s journey. For every situation I encounter, help me to remember to turn to you, the One who created the details in the first place! Amen.

Elizabeth

“O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven or earth. You keep your promises.” 1 Kings 8:23

Partway through a Bible study of God’s names, a related question came to my mind. However, before I reveal the question, please let me tell you about the study. It explores some of the Hebrew words for God, discusses the applicable Bible references, and makes suggestions on how we can call upon a certain name of God to match certain situations. Some of God’s names start with 'El', the Hebrew word meaning mighty or strong, used in particular when referring to God.* For example: Elohim (God the Creator), El Elyon (God Most High), El Roi (God Who Sees), and El Shaddai (God Almighty). Now, here is my question: is the meaning of my middle name, Elizabeth, in any way related to this study of God’s names in Hebrew?

First, I searched through some dictionaries (including a Hebrew one) and baby name resources to discover that Elizabeth comes from the Hebrew words ‘el’ (meaning as described above) and ‘sheba’ meaning oath. In an expanded definition, an oath implies committing to something by invoking divine perfection. The Apostle Paul defines an oath as a “call upon someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding” (Hebrews 6:16). Together, 'el' and 'sheba' mean ‘God is my oath.’ Not an easy phrase of which to make sense. An oath is a solemn promise. ‘God is my promise.’ ‘My promise is God.’ Interestingly, God promised many things to the Israelites in Old Testament times and to believers in Christ, God’s Son, in New Testament times. Jesus speaks one of these promises in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” Other promises are scattered generously throughout the Bible. Paul assures us that “it is impossible for God to lie” thereby giving believers confidence “like a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls” (Heb 6:18, 19). If ‘God is my oath,’ if I can confidently rely on God to fulfill His promises, then what does that mean for me whose middle name is Elizabeth?

Second, with the meaning of Elizabeth discovered, I then prayed and listened to God for further understanding about its relevance in my life. God revealed that my middle name is both a reminder and a recognition. Elizabeth reminds me that His presence is true in my life (whether I am aware of it or not) and that His promises, such as forgiveness, comfort, protection, wisdom, and eternal life in heaven, are trustworthy. Further, as it is usually hidden from the public unlike my first and last names, Elizabeth recognizes my faith as an inner strength as well as a quiet expression.

Finally, thanks to the study of God’s Hebrew names and further explorations, I have gained a greater understanding of the meaning of my middle name, Elizabeth. Through that research, I learned that Elizabeth reveals not only God’s trustworthiness in His grand scheme for this world but also God’s presence in the intimate workings of my life. Now I accept that Elizabeth has purpose in my life and melds with Barbara, the “stranger,” to reveal the uniqueness of my character.

Lord, help me to express more completely the Barbara Elizabeth that you planned on from the beginning. Thank you for the blessings of your kept promises. Thank you for the treasure of my middle name, Elizabeth! Amen.

*Kay Arthur, LORD, I Want to Know You, (Colorado Springs, CO:Waterbrook Press), 1992, 10.