Choose Ye

Stuff – we all have a collection!  Some of my stuff has monetary value but most does not.  There are, of course, some in my collection money could not replace because it carries with it immeasurable value!

 

How would you like to be called “worthless” in the Bible?  “And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, ‘We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.’” (2 Samuel 20:1).  The Hebrew word “Belial” translates as worthless, good for nothing, unprofitable. Since God is the Author of Scripture, I’ll pass on being named worthless!  What’s happening here is a man named Sheba (Mr. Worthless) felt the northern kingdom was not being treated fairly, so he led a rebellion against the king – King David, that is, God’s chosen one – the man described as “after God’s own heart.”  We are correct when we conclude things will not end well for Sheba.  Rebellion is a serious matter!  It is never an accident, rather, a deliberate move contrary to obedience. Scripture has much to say about those who rebel against (choose to disobey) God – it doesn’t end well either!  In contrast, those who fear the LORD and honor Him by walking in His ways, “They shall be Mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up My treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.” (Malachi 3:17-18).  God places great value (treasures) those who choose to obey Him – they are named His “treasured possession.”  Joshua put it to the Hebrews like this: “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve … But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15).  Hmmm … worthless or treasured possession?  That choice is ours!