Jason thought he had found something better than his wife and family, and he pursued it. To this day, he has regretted that decision. Over many years, I have seen this scenario play out far too often. I have yet to see a good ending to the story. A striking—and very accurate—rendering of this verse reads: “Like as a bird is taken when it leaves its nest, so is a man reduced to servitude when he quits his habitation” (LXX). A person becomes a slave to the very thing that entices them away from their home and family. Solomon experienced this firsthand in his own family. It is an interesting observation that God did not use David in the same powerful way again after his sin with Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba. When we walk away from God’s gift of a home, we risk our children, our impact, and so much more. I’ve never seen a perfect home, but I’ve also never seen someone leave one for a perfect alternative. Of course, there are times when someone must escape an abusive situation. However, Solomon is speaking about the willful abandonment of all that “home” represents. Job’s wish, even in the midst of his struggles, was still to “die in his nest.” If my last breath is taken at home, surrounded by my family, it will surely be a blessed experience. Today, stay put.
#BeTheEdge
“Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever.” 2 Samuel 7:29 NIV
