SECOND BEST – By Raphael ben Levi
“Doing Your will , My God, is my joy; Your Word is in my inmost being.” Ps. 40:9
Doing the will of God is an investment and an incredible honour. David pursued it single-mindedly and was his overwhelming passion to such an extend that it even surprised God, gaining His rapt attention even when in his impetuosity David made unwise choices and fell headlong into sin. To be wholehearted for God even amid our imperfections will not diminish His steadfast faithfulness – a love that will never let us go.
Sometimes, I reflect upon my primary motivation for being a disciple of Yeshua. It is easy to fall into the trap of ulterior motives. People may do so for all manner of reasons from being driven by the fear of punishment to seeking the outward recognition and applause of men. For David, it was simply that God was his joy above all things. Even when he fell from grace, he single-mindedly with deep repentance clawed his way back into a restorative relationship and experienced the infinite love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness of the One who is also entirely holy and just.
It is God’s desire to transform our lives into an overflowing abundance that far exceeds anything this world can offer. Although we may take a circuitous route to get there even as David did and the Israelites before him, what is of greatest importance is our final destination.
I want to share something very sad. In Jewish tradition, only one-fifth of the Israelites left Egypt because they preferred this to the risk of freedom. After the abolishment of slavery in America and the black people became free, many wanted to go right back to being a slave. Although freedom is preached from many pulpits, few teach about the responsibility of freedom which is a serious commitment and a heavy responsibility.
Walking in relationship with God, following in His ways, sets us free but it’s accompanied with a yoke that we easily shy away from because it is far more comfortable to stick with what is familiar and ‘safe’ – second best. This is the slave mentality that so many people are entrapped in.
We must make the choice of taking upon ourselves God’s yoke which is light and guides us into all truth, or the yoke of the world which is a harsh, unforgiving task master. The latter ends ultimately in spiritual death and a lost eternity. The Bible is very clear on this point. Yeshua made His choice: “I receive My nourishment by serving the will of the Father who sent Me and completing His work.” (John 4:34) Paul made his: “And I continually long to know the wonders of Yeshua and to experience the overflowing power of his resurrection working in me. I will be one with him in his sufferings and become like him in his death..” (Phil. 3:10)
What is your choice today?
