In Psalm 131, David writes that he has “calmed and quieted himself like a weaned child with its mother” (verse 2). Twice he expresses his contentment “like a weaned child” before the LORD. In the New Testament, Paul tells Timothy that “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). Contentment is a godly, peaceful satisfaction that takes no interest in scrapping after “the temptations and traps of foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction” – especially – “the love of money” (cf., 1 Timothy 6:9-10). This is what David experienced. He said, “My heart is not proud, my eyes are not haughty, and my concerns are not on matters or things too wonderful for me” (verse 1). Before coming into the Lord’s presence for guidance and fellowship, David has completely humbled and stripped himself of all his excuses, defenses, and fears. He is saying that he is fully available and attentive to hear and to apply what God has to say. Moreover, he calls upon all Israel (and us) to do the same – “put your hope in the LORD” (verse 3). This is the place where God wants us – to be available to Him for service and to be attentive to His direction through His Word – in short – to be “content” in Him. For the believer, contentment in the Lord is a rare and beautiful attitude, and it is the place where God can make us holy.
In Ezekiel 41-42, we see the prophet’s continued accompaniment with, observations of, and written record established by the Man who measured the [future] temple and its area. In Ezekiel 40:1, Ezekiel identified this Man as “the Hand of the LORD.” Our inability to understand adequately all the mysteries of this section of Scripture should not cause us to pass over it too lightly. It may be obscure to us, but it reminds us that God is concerned about little details – even architectural ones. Our God is a God of beauty, and He is interested in all the decorative beauty of the auditory, visual, practical, and worshipful arts; thus, we should be equally interested and concerned about them as well. From these chapters it is obvious that God is preparing a beautiful though presently mysterious eternity for us. We ought to be excited about the mystery and the beauty. Why? Ezekiel explains why … “to separate the holy from the common” (Ezekiel 42:20). God wants us to be holy, and He is developing us to that end because holiness is intended to elevate us above and beyond all that is “common.” Praise God for the work He is doing in our lives – to make us holy and more like His Son!
In 1 Peter 1-2:3, we see the apostle’s praise to God for our “living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (verse 3). The importance of our hope cannot be minimized, and it should not be forgotten or overlooked. Our “inheritance,” which is “kept in heaven for us,” cannot “perish, spoil, or fade,” and it is of greater worth than gold” (verses 3-7). Peter reminds us of the immense, eternal value of our salvation – purchased by the precious blood of Christ.” Nothing in the entire universe is more precious in God’s sight than the blood of Christ, for that was the price He paid to secure our redemption. Therefore, we are to “be holy” (verses 15-19). God wants to make us holy because He is holy.
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