"Searching the Scriptures and Seeking the Lost"
“As I Was Busy Here And There”
by Wayne Jones
First Kings chapter 20 contains the record of two major battles between Israel and Syria. Each of these battles was won by the Israelite army under the direction of king Ahab. Near the conclusion of the second contest, Benhadad (king of Syria) decided to negotiate with Ahab and to offer to form an alliance with him (v. 31-34). Without even inquiring “at the word of the Lord” (1 Kings 22:5), Ahab entered into the covenant with a heathen nation. This course of action ignored that fact that God was Ruler in Israel.
As the chapter continues, a certain prophet disguised himself and approached the king with a story (v. 38-42). He claimed to be a servant who had been given charge over a prisoner of war. Furthermore, he claimed that the soldier who entrusted him with this prisoner would kill him if the prisoner escaped. The disguised prophet then claimed that he became “busy here and there” and the prisoner was gone (v. 40). Ahab agreed that this servant deserved death only to realize that this man was not really a servant. He was in fact a prophet. The servant in this prophet’s parable was actually Ahab! God had appointed Benhadad to be destroyed. Instead of following through with God’s plan, Ahab made an alliance with Benhadad and spared his life. Because of this course of action, Ahab’s life would be taken (v. 42).
With the story fresh in our minds, think back now to the excuse used by the servant in the parable. He did not claim to be unequipped to handle this prisoner of war; nor did he claim to be unqualified. He simply became too busy doing other things (1 Kings 20:40). Certainly, in the case of Ahab this point is easily seen. From a political stand point, this alliance with Syria would have been a strategic move. He would physically expanded the kingdom (1 Kings 20:34) and he would gain the support of another strong, military nation. What had happened to Ahab? He had be come so busy being the king that he forgot to fulfill the demands of God.
Can application be made for us today? Is it possible for us to become too busy with things in this life that we forget to fulfill the commands of God? It may not be that we are unable to complete God’s commands. It may not even be that we disagree with God’s commands. It may just be that we have become too busy “here and there” to comply with God’s commands.
Being too busy can effect every aspect of our lives. Some people become too busy to faithfully fulfill their roles in the home. How many homes are torn apart because the hobbies or even occupations of those in the home seem to be the most important things? Can a father lead and guide his children if nearly all of his time is either spent in the office, in a deer stand or on the golf course? Can a mother be a keeper of the home and a nurturing influence on her children if most of her time is spent at work or involved with various hobbies outside the home? Can a husband love and honor his wife or can a wife love and reference her husband if they are too busy doing other things? The truth is, God placed special emphasis on the home (Eph. 5:22 - 6:4) and He desires that we do the same thing. This might mean missing a certain activity or outing every now and then. This might turning down a group of friends or co-workers so that we might have more time to a father, husband, wife or mother.
Some will become so busy that they neglect the work and worship of the Lord’s church. It is a shame that sermons have to be preached on the need for attendance to Bible class and all worship services (including Sunday night and Wednesday nights). However, the need for such sermons is obvious because attendance will be down from Sunday morning to Sunday night. In most cases, the numbers are even smaller on Wednesday night. Why is that? Could it be that some people are just too busy doing other things (watching football, sleeping, shopping, visiting family, etc.)? Those things listed above are not sinful, but they become sinful when do them instead of doing what God has required.
Still others might attend every service, but never become involved in the work that the church has to do. They may never teach a Bible class or lead a public prayer. They may never be involved in a faith-in-action program or visit a wayward member. Why would that be? While the reasons are numerous, more often than not, they are just too busy doing other things. From time to time, we all need to be reminded of the need to put God and His kingdom first in our lives (Matt. 6:33).
Finally, some will become so busy that they do not “have time” to obey the Gospel of Christ. Every generation has its own excuse for not obeying. Each of these excuses is related to time. The teenager says, “I am too young. I will obey later.” The person in his 20's says, “I am too busy planning my life. After college and when I am settled, I will obey.” The person in his 30's, 40's and 50's says, “I am too busy raising my family and providing for the future. When all of that is taken care of, then I will obey.” Then a man in his retired years will say, “Its too late, I should have obeyed earlier.” All of these excuses sound like the words of Felix when told Paul, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” (Acts 24:25). For most that convenient seasons never arrives. We will always be busy, but we should never be too busy to complete the will of God in our lives.
In all actuality, there is no better time than now to obey the Gospel. It does not mater wether you or a teenager, just starting a family, in the providing years or in retirement. If you have never obeyed the gospel, now is the time. The plan for man’s salvation has been decreed and will never change. God requires faith in Christ (Mark 16:16) and confession of that faith (Matt. 10:32); repentance of sins (Luke 13:3) and baptism (Acts 2:38). Are you too “busy here and there” to obey your God?