The Perfect Lifeguard
“The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those
whose hearts are fully committed to him.”–2 Chronicles 16:19a (NLT)
As I pondered this verse, my mind wandered back to the time
when I was trying to be certified as a lifeguard through the Boy
Scouts. After weeks of preparation and days of intensive
training, each candidate sat beside an experienced lifeguard
while hoards of children frolicked in the camp lake. Perched on
that stand with my eyes wide open, I feverishly scanned the
water in a “Z” pattern for potential hooligans to rebuke or
victims to rescue. Sitting erectly, I whispered to myself, “This is
the real thing…lives are depending on me!”
After a while, however, the baking of theMichigan summer sun
and the boredom of simply sitting took its toll. I didn’t even get
to blow my new plastic whistle. Bummer. My eyelids fluttered
once, then twice. If it weren’t for a sharp nudge frommy trainer,
I would have surely dozed myself out of lifeguard certification.
Fortunately, God is the perfect Lifeguard! His eyes see everyone
and everything, and His loving gaze is drawn particularly to
those who have fully committed themselves to Him.He doesn’t
look at them to condemn or crush, but to refresh and restore.
The committed Christian life, therefore, is never a solitary or
self-empowered endeavor, because God is always looking to
bolster us and bear our load (cf.Matt 11:28-30; 1 Pet 5:6-7).
Even though the implication of this verse is that complete
commitment may mean we sometimes feel depleted, it also
assures us that the mighty Lord stands ready to replenish us
every time.Unlike those vulnerable kids under the sleepy care of
this novice lifeguard, we can rejoice that “he who watches over
you will not slumber…the LORD will watch over your coming
and going both now and forevermore” (see Psalm 121)!
For Discussion: What might a heart “fully committed” to God look like
today (think of Christ in 2007)? Are your motions and motives such that
you “catch God’s eye?”What benefits arise from full commitment?
Family Activity: Since this Lenten Season offers a great opportunity to
develop deeper commitment and experiences its benefits, jot down, sign,
and post in your home the aspects you’ll commit to (e.g., daily prayer and
family devotions; reading through the New Testament; memorize the six
verses; attend all services,a small group,and the two Encounter gatherings;
financial commitment; and inviting friends to church).
