Getting a Gift from God
What is the best gift you ever received? While children and other important people are certainly a gift, I am thinking of something that fits into a box. I am thinking about the kind of gift that arrives at Christmas, a birthday, or sometimes, just because. Of those gifts, which one do you remember? For me, I remember my sister bringing me a novelty wooden bat from the amusement park. I developed a baseball game that utilized that bat and played the games for years - my children even enjoy playing it. Now, have you considered the gift you receive from God - the physical items that fit inside a box that God bestows into your life? How has God tangibly blessed your life?
In the Bible, we learn of David’s descendant King Ahaz who encounters overpowering foes. Two neighboring nations have plotted the demise of God’s people in Judah. The first is Rezin in Damascus and the second is Remaliah’s son in Ephraim (the northern tribes of Israel). God sends a message for King Ahaz through the prophet Isaiah, Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood … [they] have plotted your ruin saying, ‘Let us invade Judah; let us tear it apart and divide it among ourselves, and make the son of Tabeel king over it’ (Isaiah 7.4,6). While King Ahaz is a holistic schmuck, he does reign as king in Jerusalem; and God will not allow two neighboring schmucks to hand-pick a ruler for the City of David. Hence, God chooses to intervene - not because of Ahaz’s faithfulness but because of Rezin and Remaliah’s son’s arrogance. Accordingly, Isaiah receives this message: This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘It will not take place, it will not happen’ (Isaiah 7.7).
The promises of God are often accompanied by a sign, which effectively serves a down-payment. Following God’s promise of victory to Ahaz, the king receives an astonishing offer: pick a sign. Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, ‘Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights’ (Isaiah 7.10-11). That’s a good offer: God offers an open-ended request to verify God will defeat your foes. That is the definition of win-win, even that the schmuck Ahaz wins twice. Yet, the ignoble Ahaz responds: I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test (Isaiah 7.12). While he uses spiritualized language, the prophet Isaiah exposes the king’s motivation: Hear now, you house of David! Is it enough to try the patience of humans? Will you also try the patience of God also?” (Isaiah 7.13). Ahaz, it seems, misses a significant opportunity to see a self-selected work of God. What a shame!
For us, we are unlikely to receive the same open-ended request from God. (If you do and decide to pull an Ahaz, please talk with me first. I have some ideas for you, lots of ideas.). We do, however, receive blessings and gifts from God. Perhaps there was something you needed but lacked the resources to acquire it, and then somehow, now you have it. Maybe it was small. Maybe it was big. Or maybe somewhere in between. I do hope, though, you can identity your gifts from God. When you consider these gifts, remember to give thanks to God. These things are gifts - items you received that did not earn and did not deserve. And tell others. Let people know of God’s kindness in your life. Share the story.
But … as you consider a gift from God, you find yourself with the conclusion: “I cannot think of any.” If that applies to you, the inevitable question follows: Did you pull an Ahaz? Did you, perhaps inadvertently, say to God, “I am good, I will not put you to the test.” If so, consider saying to God, “I am open to you kindness. Send me a blessing.” Then, keep asking and keep waiting. God’s kindness will be revealed, and when it arrives, give gratitude and tell others.
