Discover His heart: He is keeping perfect records of our good deeds and acts of kindness
While Tom and I served as youth pastors many years ago, I was also the church bookkeeper. Being somewhat dyslexic with numbers, this was a challenge for me. The dictionary says that dyslexia is not caused by low intelligence or brain damage, which is a great relief to me. I also admit that I was always just a little over the top on balancing the books each month to the penny – no mercy – to the penny! Over the years, I spent several all-nighters searching for that penny or two so that I could close the books for the month. I’m not sure what this disorder is called, but any free analysis is appreciated.
I’m happy to report, however, there is Someone who is keeping the books on each one of us, keeping track of all that we do and say, and He has no disorders or phobias. His books are balanced to the very second, they never fall short and are disclosed at the perfect moment in time. This truth is vividly portrayed in the life of Esther’s uncle, Mordecai.
@ Esther 6
“That night the king had trouble sleeping, so he ordered an attendant to bring the book of the history of his reign so it could be read to him. In those records, he discovered an account of how Mordecai had exposed the plot of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the eunuchs who guarded the door to the king’s private quarters. They had plotted to assassinate King Xerxes.” (1-2) The Jews in Persia were on the verge of being annihilated by the king’s evil assistant, Haman; and out of the blue, the king discovered this courageous act by Jewish Mordecai that was buried in the Persian history books. Imagine that.
My mom was the Sunday School teacher for sixth-grade girls at her church for 20 years. During that time, every girl that attended her class heard an anointed teaching every Sunday on material she had studied, prayed and even wept over at times. Every girl in her class heard the message of Jesus and was given an opportunity to accept Him and receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit as well. Times had changed, and younger voices were desired, so mom retired from her position. She cared nothing about this, but I observed that little appreciation was expressed to her at the time.
As she stepped into eternity a few years ago, however, I know the One who keeps the books met her with the only words of appreciation she ever wanted to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21) In recent years, I’ve reconnected with some of the girls who sat in her class Sunday after Sunday, and they have expressed their appreciation to me for the testimony and example my mom was to them. I probably needed hearing their words at that time more than my mom ever needed hearing them. God has a way of disclosing the books at the perfect moment.
The recognition of good deeds and right living often has a way of falling through the cracks with little notice or so it seems; but when those deeds are done with the right motive, we really don’t care whether or not they are noticed or appreciated. There is a satisfaction that comes just from doing the right thing. However, God is keeping the books on all our deeds; and whether they are disclosed during this lifetime or in eternity, the reward will come at just the right moment.
“Mordecai the Jew became the prime minister, with authority next to that of King Xerxes himself. He was very great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem because he continued to work for the good of his people and to speak up for the welfare of all their descendants.” (10:3) Now, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we honor as well the good deeds of Mordecai and the selflessness of Esther, an Old Testament type or example of Jesus. Their faithful deeds are ministering to us today at just the right moment.
Moving Forward: Thankful that I’m no longer a bookkeeper, I’m even more thankful to the One who is keeping the books on my life. His books are balanced right to the very second, they never fall short and are revealed at the perfect moment in time.
Tomorrow @ Psalm 149-150
Phyllis Benigas 