1 Chronicles 13:13-14 (ESV) — So David did not take the ark home into the city of David, but took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. And the ark of God remained with the household of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that he had.

Have you ever witnessed people, whose lives were not godly or holy, experience blessing? This happens every day. Folks that curse God still enjoy trips to new places. They laugh and have meaningful friendships. They enjoy good food, drinks, and entertainment. 

Where do these blessings come from? They come from God. These are not blessings that are earned or merited but are a part of God’s goodness and grace even to the undeserving. We call this blessing common grace. 

Our passage today reflects this idea. The ark of the covenant was stolen from Israel by the Philistines. The Israelites, led by David, recaptured the ark. But after the death of Uzza for touching the ark, David feared taking it any further back to Israel. In 1 Chronicles 13:13-14 tells us, “So David did not take the ark home into the city of David, but took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. And the ark of God remained with the household of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that he had.” 

Catch this: the ark rested in the home of Obed-edom the Gittite and God blessed the household. Obed-edom was not an Israelite. He wasn’t a part of the covenant community. Yet when the ark of God rested in his home, God chose to bless him. This isn’t because of anything Obed-edom or his home had done. This is how common grace works in the world. The character of God is displayed in how He blesses everyone, despite themselves. The question we should personally ask is: in light of God’s goodness to me, though I don’t deserve it, how should my life reflect His glory and goodness? Let that drive how you approach your day.

Reflection & Journal:

- What does common grace teach us about the character of God?

- What are some examples of God’s common grace in your own life? 

- How should we seek to live in light of God’s abundance of grace and blessings to us?

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