Comments Off on Lessons from the Life of Obed-Edom
Imagine along with me. You wake up to find someone has delivered the Ark of the Covenant (the sacred symbol of God’s very presence) to your house for safekeeping (by Amazon). That’s exactly what happened to a man named Obed-Edom. Well, not the Amazon part.
Let me back up a bit. King David and his men were transporting the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. A tragic incident occurred when Uzzah improperly handled the Ark and died (1 Chronicles 13). King David halted the Ark’s journey and left it in the home of Obed-Edom. What happened next has always amazed me:
Isn’t that description beautiful? Not a big title. No grand exploits mentioned. Just “the king’s friend.” And not just any king. But King David, the man after God’s own heart. Out of all the military leaders, advisors, and warriors surrounding David, Scripture makes a point to name Hushai for one thing: friendship.
Let’s be honest—we all need a Hushai in our lives. Someone who shows up not because they need anything. But, simply because they care. A friend who stands with you in the palace and the wilderness. One who brings joy and tells the truth. Also, one who reminds you of who you are when you start to forget.
David knew the pain of betrayal (remember Ahithophel?). However, he also knew the strength of real friendship. Hushai stuck by him when others turned away (2 Samuel 15). Additionally, his loyalty helped preserve the kingdom.
Friendship is not a bonus—it’s a lifeline. In Proverbs 17:17, we read: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” And the greatest friend of all? Of course, it’s always Jesus.
Your Friend Jesus
Jesus said, “I no longer call you servants… instead, I have called you friends” (John 15:15). He doesn’t just save us. On the contrary, He walks with us and listens to us. Along with that, He rejoices and weeps with us. That’s the kind of friend He is. And He invites us to be that kind of friend to others.
So, let me ask you something. “Who’s your Hushai? And who are you being a Hushai to?”
Let’s be intentional today. Text a friend. Invite someone for coffee. Open up. Listen well. Laugh hard. Cry if you need to. Pray together. Don’t do life alone.
Without question, we were made for friendship. Even kings need them. And so do we.
“At that time Joshua built an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded the people of Israel, as it is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, “an altar of uncut stones, upon which no man has wielded an iron tool.” And they offered on it burnt offerings to the Lord and sacrificed peace offerings.” — Joshua 8:30-31
While studying the book of Joshua this year, these verses caught my eye. Why would God command the Israelites to create an altar of uncut stones? Perhaps there is a reason it matters? Nonetheless, if the Israelites wanted to have a nice altar for God, why would He care?
“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” — Psalm 27:13-14
While studying the book of Joshua this last month, something caught my attention. When the Israelites conquered Jericho, God told them to destroy everything and keep no plunder. But Achan disobeyed the command. Joshua (Chapter 7) says he kept some of the plunder (which included a bar of gold). We don’t know how heavy the bar was, but if it was similar to modern bars, we’re talking about a million dollars of gold. In due time, God judged Achan and his family (and all of Israel) for that disobedience.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” — 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Recently, I was talking with a friend about the story of Jonah. We recounted the story play-by-play. It reminded me how the story of Jonah has undoubtedly become one of the most challenging Bible stories to believe. In 1794 (230 years ago), Thomas Paine, author of “The Age of Reason,” said the book of Jonah was “…A fit story for ridicule if it was written to be believed — or of laughter if it was intended to try what credulity could swallow, for if it could swallow Jonah and the whale it could swallow anything.”
Recently, a sister in our church pointed out something rather remarkable to me. There is an obvious connection between the Mercy Seat found in the Old and New Testaments.
The Ark of the Covenant was in the Old Testament Jewish tabernacle/temple. (You might remember it from Raiders of the Lost Ark). The Ark of the Covenant was a chest that contained The Ten Commandments, a pot of manna, and Aaron’s staff. On the top of it was the Mercy Seat. This was, in fact, where God’s presence dwelled. The priests sprinkled the sacrificial blood there, and He gave mankind mercy.
Every once in a while, I find myself in just the right place at just the right time. When I do, this verse comes to my mind,
“Who knows if perhaps you were created for such a time as this.“ — Esther 4:14b
I learned this verse from the Old Testament — in the story of Esther and her Uncle Mordecai. I encourage you to read the book of Esther. It’s a treasure of truth, highlighting God’s sovereignty and ability to turn the tables for His glory. Undeniably, God has good plans for us to walk in.
“These patriarchs were jealous of their brother Joseph, and they sold him to be a slave in Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. And God gave him favor before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. God also gave Joseph unusual wisdom, so that Pharaoh appointed him governor over all of Egypt and put him in charge of the palace.” — Acts 7:9-10
Bad news seems to be everywhere. Without a doubt, it’s hard to have faith when things look bad. There’s tremendous turmoil in the world around us, complicated health troubles, and incredibly hard days.
