Good morning, everyone.
Our verse for today comes from Acts 10:6, “He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
My daughter has a babysitting job for a couple that has two young children. Recently they have acquired a house at the beach and have mentioned to her about going down there with them, in part to help out with the little ones. My daughter, of course, is quite excited about this possibility, for her love of kids is equaled by her love of the beach. Another daughter of mine stated several times on our last trip to the coast that she plans on having a house at the beach once she is grown and able. Several of my co-workers, like Simon, have a house by the sea. We just recently reconnected with an old friend who shared that they now have multiple houses by the sea, enabling them to rent out where they don’t live and make a return on their investment. I’m not sure why it’s significant that Simon lived by the sea. He wasn’t a fisherman, and again, I’m confident that him being a tanner has nothing to do with lying out by the shore as a professional sunbather.
But whatever the reason, there is also a great chance that your house not by the sea is where it is for a particular purpose. You have been placed, most likely, with neighbors on your right and left who have a relationship with God that concerns you. That relationship may be antagonistic, casual, or deeply committed, but regardless, they have some sort of standing with and before God. And even if you don’t know their names and couldn’t pick them out of a lineup, their place beside you concerns you. They have a house not by the sea, next to you, for reasons that God knows. And despite social distancing, no handshakes, and blue masks, there is a calling on you to be God’s hands and feet, His salt and light, especially to the ones living closest to you. It may be awkward, uncomfortable, or inconvenient, but the steps should be taken, no matter the lack of your comfort zone. God is there, and His peace and presence surpasses whatever comfort you feel remaining behind your front door. And if it’s completely natural for you, and you’re connecting with your neighbors already, join in with a friend who is timid, and help them connect with their neighbor. Whatever the case, go out in trust and obedience. God has never abandoned His children, and He won’t start with you. Wherever your house is, make it a house by a neighbor who knows God loves them and died for them.
As we seek Him today, be a neighbor to a neighbor, and know God is pleased with your faithfulness.
Have a mighty Tuesday.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
