Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Chronicles 18:7 (New Living Translation)

David brought the gold shields of Hadadezer’s officers to Jerusalem,

God had given King David yet another victory in battle. After the victory, David brought captured gold to Jerusalem to God.

David fulfilled God’s command to bring all the world’s gold to God, uh, er, wait, no, that’s not it. God never asked for all the gold or silver or diamonds. And why did David feel this was worth the trouble?

Uh. Well, it was obvious that valuables should be brought to God, right? Sigh. We do this all the time. We value things and we think God values them as well.

When one of my sons was about four years old, he treasured small, brightly colored balls. They were great fun. They were treasures in his world. I liked to see him happy, but I really didn’t think much of small, brightly colored balls.

Hmmm. This is the way it is we me and God. Gold, diamonds, whatever. I like these things. And I assume that God likes them, too. How childish of me. Please God, help me in my childish unbelief.