“When you build a new house, make a parapet around your roof so that you may not bring the guilt of bloodshed on your house if someone falls from the roof.”
I had to look up the definition of “parapet” to understand this verse. A parapet is a low protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, or balcony. I find it so intriguing that the Lord God of the universe would take the time to tell the Israelites how to finish building a roof. By this time in my readings of the Old Testament, I am convinced the God of the universe is all about the small things as well as the large ones.
My wife has been on the roof of our house helping me put up Christmas decorations. I, personally, really do not like being up there because there is no parapet around our roof. If there were a parapet around our roof, I am sure we would all be up there more, enjoying the view.
Speaking of small things, I can look back and reflect on some of the mechanic jobs I have done in the past on our vehicles and remember little steps I did not take. These little steps I missed led me back under the hood to fix the car again. I have often said that you have to do it right the first time. Well, miss those small steps, and you have to climb back under the car. The parapet was one of the last things to build, but it was just as important as the walls and all the other things they built in a house.
God is working on finishing you. He is not satisfied with half-done or almost-done. He will always be pushing you toward finishing whatever you start. Even the small things, like being grateful or spreading a smile or a hug, may be part of God using you to help someone begin their finishing journey.
You see, in Christ, you are best equipped to finish what Christ started on the cross. Without Christ, you may be leaving something unfinished, adding some danger that should not be there. Those little things are important, and they all add up to finishing the work the Lord wants to do in your life. Today, do not be exhausted by the small projects in your life or the ones that seem insignificant, because they just may be a safety barrier for someone else.
Prayer: Father, help us never to grow tired of doing the small things. I pray for a new outlook on life that sees how important those small things are. Help me, Father, to appreciate and love looking for the small things You have for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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