A beast of burden.
That is how A.W. Tozer suggests that we consider our bodies in his wonderful book, Pursuit of God. I love it. I just love it!
Just as Jesus "had need of" that beast of burden, the donkey, when He rode into Jerusalem, so we too have need of our bodies. They serve us. Actually, they serve the Lord through serving us. Just as that humble, insignificant ass did over 2,000 years ago for Jesus, so my body is a tool for the Lord---for His glory.
And, just as we wouldn't abuse or neglect our needed beasts of burden, neither should we in any way abuse our bodies. We should feed them, care for them appropriately and make them always ready for service when they are needed. In the same way, we shouldn't rely on them too heavily or praise them--- focusing on them in excess. Certainly the beast that carried Jesus was not receiving any "Hosanna's". He just carried the One whom they praised.
My "beast of burden" has given me havoc many a times in my life. Today this beast, my body, cries out for some more care. Today it was a needed crown on an aging tooth and possibly a root canal. Yuck. But, truly, not something that I can ignore. And, certainly ignoring it any longer would be to neglect the body that God has given me to carry me through this life. ...so I must deal with it.
To be honest, the thought of a root canal and a crown was not as overwhelming as the thought of the cost of the two procedures.
I felt frustrated that once again this body of mine, this beast... this hole-ridden- tent, was crying out in a way that was beyond my ability to provide. I can feed it, yes, but I can't fix it! ...and actually, in fact, the very food that I feed it comes from God's hand, as well!
So... sitting in the parking lot of the dentist's office... my Father God and I had a good conversation about this. I was able to tell Him that I needed Him to care for this body of mine. I was able to ask Him provide for the beast that He has given me. And, that just as the disciples went at His bidding to get that donkey and bring the beast for the Lord's use... I am asking God to do all things necessary so that I can continue to serve Him---that this beast of a body would be a tool in His hands, for His glory!
This dialogue was had with tears and a fair bit of frustration. I trust You, Lord. Help me to trust You more!
So I rode this beast of burden right into the specialist's office. And, long story short--- I don't need a root canal! (a crown, yes.) This news felt like a huge gift from God! And as a special "wink" from my Father in Heaven, the specialist gave me the consulting visit for free. Free!
As I left the appointment, the receptionist said to me in low-quiet-tones, "there is no charge for today's visit".
I said, "I don't understand."
She lifted her voice just a bit and whispered again, "there is no charge for today's visit."
Dumbfounded, I said again, "I am sorry. I don't understand."
"The doctor would like to bless you," she spoke quietly with a smile, "it's a blessing."
A smile from the receptionist. A wink and a smile from my Father in Heaven---reminding me that He would indeed care well for this beast of burden---for me, for my body. He would provide. I could trust Him. He does still have "need" of me and my body for His glory, ... so He would take care of it. He will feed the beast!