1 Chronicles 13:14 “Thus the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house three months; and the Lord blessed the family of Obed-edom with all that he had.”

BLESSED

I just love the fact that the Lord blessed Obed-edom merely for keeping the ark at his house.  Can you imagine?  The very seat of God in your house.  We don’t know where he kept it, but I am sure it was in a very safe place and treated with honor and respect.  He probably put “DO NOT TOUCH” signs all around it.  He knew what had happened to Uzza when he just reached out to steady the ark.  He was struck dead. Obed-edom didn’t want that to happen to anyone in his family.

Jewish legend says that the Lord blessed not just Obed-edom’s wife with a baby but also all eight of his daughter-in-laws.  They were all pregnant at the same time.  Now, I am not sure I would call that a blessing.  Lol.  Whether that happened or not, Obed-edom was blessed and highly esteemed because he hosted the ark in his home.

TEACHING MOMENT

Sometimes the smallest acts of service mean the most.  Our children can learn a lot from this story.  How can you teach them to do these little acts of kindness?  Why don’t you get them to help you bake some cookies and take them to the local Fire Department?  What if you took them with you to help an elderly neighbor or church member with housework or yardwork?

Your child may have an idea of how to serve?  Even though it may seem silly to you, if it’s safe, allow them.  We are teaching service, not critiquing it.  Encourage them to look for ways to bless others.  Who knows how the Lord will choose to bless them.

Are you looking for ways to bless others?  Has the Lord asked you to “host” someone or something?  How can you show your children the blessings that come from serving others?  Obed-edom actually not only served King David by keeping the ark.  He served the entire nation of Israel by keeping it safe.  He served the Lord God by guarding and protecting this symbol of His power and presence.

Hmmm?  Are you guarding the symbol of His power and presence in your life – the Holy Spirit?  Are you careful to do only what He tells you?

O Father, give me the heart of Obed-edom today.  Show me how to be a better host of Your Holy Spirit in my life.  Show me how to better serve You and others.