By Design
Solomon wrote, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23, NLT). Good words, wise words. Solomon was stinkin wise. First Kings 4:31, makes mention of his wisdom and lists those (by design) he was wiser than. In this list, among others, we find Ethan the Ezrahite. Can you imagine going down in permanent history, basically being said of you, “Ethan, oh he’s one of those not so wise guy Dudes!” Overshadowed by another, someone—something other than him?
We live in a society where there are comparative views of just about EVERYTHING. “This tastes better than that. Over there it is more spacious than here. He sings better than him. She is prettier-thinner-gifted and smarter than her. They have much more than us.”
Comparison.
Even though Solomon was granted wisdom and a discerning heart by God (See conversation in 1 Kings 3) reading this narrative of Ethan, we can’t stop there! Scholars believe Psalm 89 is attributed to this same Ethan the Ezrahite. He is divinely granted canonized parchment space of fifty-two verses. He writes of God’s steadfast love. Of His faithfulness of covenant, with strong worshipful words, “I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth, I will make Your faithfulness known through all generations” (v1). He goes on to declare “You have made … established… crushed… scattered … founded, and created…” THAT is some engaging declaring!
Overshadowed Ethan? I think not. Yes, perhaps not as wise by design as Solomon. But his words are gripping and stirring. He was declaring, worshiping—Ethan. Might I add, Ethan was his own man! And, YES generations later he is still making God’s faithfulness known!
Through the scriptures we see folks standing out, sometimes very quietly. By design Bezalel and Oholiab worked skillfully on the construction of the Tabernacle. By design courageous Abigail intercepted a revengeful King Daivd. By design Hosea set an example of redeeming love. By design Dorcas did good and helped the poor. By design, John outran Peter at the tomb (HA!)*
Those in my personal life; By design, Kathy has a welcoming heart of hospitality. By design, Lori is artsy and creative. By design, Deanna has a gift with preschoolers. By design, Nancy shares her Godly wisdom found in experiencing Jesus. By design, Dorothy has a flair for texting emojis (HA!)
May we be so inspired. Our skills, God-given abilities and accomplishments MATTER! It is not a matter of comparison, but one of living by design. His design. May we celebrate God’s design with one another!
Who can we celebrate this week?
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
*Exodus 36; 1 Samuel 25, Hosea 3, Acts 9, John 20.
Inspired Fountain 