“What part of ‘wait’ do you not understand?” I ask our new dog Lark. He howls in displeasure while Mac—a veteran who knows the drill—sits, waits, and drools. For people, the question is usually, “What part of “no” don’t you understand?” Of course, we know the part we should or should not be doing, but choose to ignore our master. We don’t like “no” or “wait” any more than Lark does.

Eventually, he grumbles, sits, and waits. Like Mac, he knows obedience will be rewarded by an “okay” to eat. And with that word and hand signal, both dogs dive into their food. They’re quick to obey the good part but can be strong-willed and stubborn about obedience’s less-fun parts. As with dogs, so with humans.

The word “part” appears in the Bible many times and in different contexts. Today, we’ll begin with “part” as Old Testament law.

Which part, portion, or division is ours?

They shall divide it into seven portions. Judah shall continue in his territory on the south, and the house of Joseph shall continue in their territory on the north.Joshua 18:5 NIV

The concept of a “part” or “portion” was foundational in the Old Testament, particularly during the allocation of the Promised Land among the 12 tribes of Israel. In Joshua 18:5, “part” refers to territories the Israelites mapped out to settle the remaining seven tribes in Canaan. The tribes of Gad, Reuben, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had already received their land east of the Jordan; the Levites were not allocated territory because their inheritance was the priesthood. Thus, only seven of the twelve tribes needed portions.

Because we coexist with many creatures here at Vanaprastha, we divide our garden from the rest of the land. A deer-proof fence protects the cucumbers, bush beans, kale, chard, and basil. The garden part is our portion; the rest belongs to the critters. Good fences make good neighbors, as Robert Frost wrote in his poem “Mending Wall.” Each to their own.

Every part is important

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12 NIV

I love using my gifts to serve others and team with those who have gifts I do not. So, it is with Women’s Ministry; so, it is with Music Ministry; so, it is whenever a neighbor needs help. Living Generously, doing our part, gathering our spiritual gifts together to form one body. 

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul uses the human body as a powerful metaphor. Just as a human body has many parts, the body of Christ (the Church) is made up of many different people. And while the Holy Spirit distributes a variety of distinct gifts to individual believers, all parts of the body are essential and must work together to support the community. No part is less important than another, because the body—human and church—is one. 

We can only know in part

For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 1 Corinthians 13:9-10 NIV

The view of God’s creation we have here at Vanaprastha never ceases to amaze. Sunsets are particularly beautiful—and humbling. I only know part of what’s really happening, how this beauty came about, and what might be coming next. 

Paul states in 1 Corinthians 13 that our current understanding of God and the world is incomplete. Until the ultimate revelation happens, “we know in part” and “see through a glass, darkly.” We cannot know God’s plans and don’t need to. All we need to do is trust in Him and what He reveals. When completeness comes, when we see God face-to-face, “in part” will disappear along with our portions and spiritual gifts. 

Only God’s agape love will endure forever. Amen.

Linkup with Five Minute Friday.

Subscribe to Notes from Vanaprastha Podcasts on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CaroleDuff

Subscribe to Notes from Vanaprastha: https://caroleduff.com

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carole.duff2010/

Subscribe to my Friday Happy Hours Substack: https://substack.com/@caroleduff305076