ODB: Me And Dad
March 5, 2014
READ: Matthew 9:35–10:1
The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. —Genesis 2:15
A friend once spent a day installing large stone steps in his backyard. When his 5-year-old daughter begged to help, he suggested she just sing to encourage him in his work. She said no. She wanted to help. Carefully, when it would not endanger her, he let her place her hands on the rocks as he moved them.
He could have built the steps in less time without her. At the end of the day, though, he not only had new steps but also a daughter bursting with pride. “Me and Dad made steps,” she announced at dinner that night.
From the beginning, God has relied on people to advance His work. After equipping Adam to cultivate the land and supervise the animals, God left the work of the garden in his hands (Gen. 2:15-20).
The pattern has continued. When God wanted a dwelling place on earth, a tabernacle and temple did not descend from the sky; thousands of artists and craftsmen worked to fashion them (Ex. 35–38; 1 Kings 6). When Jesus proclaimed the new reign of God’s kingdom on earth, He invited human beings to help. He told His disciples, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Matt. 9:38).
As a father does with his children, so does God welcome us as His kingdom partners.
— Philip Yancey
and wisdom, You invite us to accomplish Your acts of
love, service, and kindness here on earth.
Thank You for the privilege of “helping” You.
God uses humble servants to accomplish His great work.
Source: Our Daily Bread
