Light has been an important part of the story since the beginning. God’s first recorded words were, “Let there be light.” Did you ever wonder what the light was? He separated it from the darkness and called the light “day,” but He didn’t make the Sun until later, so it wasn’t “day” as we know it. I believe he was talking about revealing His glory and goodness, which He separated from darkness, Satan and evil.
The writers of the Old Testament considered God the light. David wrote, “The Lord is my light” (Psalm 27:1). Isaiah encouraged the people to “walk in the light of the Lord” (Isaiah 2:5).
“God is light; in Him is no darkness at all.” The Apostle John tells us this is what Jesus taught his disciples (1 John 1:5). Duh! It seems like common sense. But does everyone really believe it?
Have you ever heard anyone ask, “If God is really good, why would he let this (my loved one die, me lose my job, etc.) happen?” Ever heard a friend say, “I just don’t believe God would send anyone to hell?” These people don’t believe God is light, and in Him there is no darkness.
The first thinks there must be something wrong with God, since bad things happen. Perhaps they have never been taught Satan and sin brought death and destruction into the world. They want to lay this on our good and gracious God.
The second doesn’t understand the holiness, the purity of God. Because they can live among sinful people, because they are sinful people, they can’t grasp that our Heavenly Father cannot have sin in His presence. They don’t understand the sacrifice of our Savior.
Unfortunately, many Christians fall into this second group. They have bought into the lies of Satan – who himself masquerades as an angel of light. Satan’s kingdom is darkness, but he lives in the shadows, slipping in, distorting the light.
God is light. Jesus admitted it when He said, “I AM the light of the world.” Those who believed He was the Messiah got it. Most didn’t. Some even claimed He was from the devil (Matthew 12:24).
God the Father hid the light from mankind. Oh, there were glimpses. Moses beheld the backside of the glory on the mountain. Daniel and Isaiah had visions that peeked through the veil, but for the most part, the light was hidden. Until the light came down to dwell among us.
He didn’t come down as a blinding light, where people fell down as dead. Instead, the light was translated from the language of ultimate, all-powerful glory into flesh and blood, a language we could understand. The light lived among us, showing them just how glory and goodness could be read in the language of humanity – how the glory and goodness could be spread throughout humanity.
“You are the light of the world,” He told his disciples. “A city on a hill can’t be hidden. Let your light shine, so others my see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14,16).
I’m afraid we’ve sung the children’s song too often. “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.” Jesus never said anything about us having a little light. He said, “We are the light, and it cannot be hidden.”
Hiding the light, letting it shine, both sound rather passive. I like the way Paul talked about light. “Put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12). He could have said, “Put on the tunic of light,” or the “robe of light,” or even “carry a big torch of light.” Instead, he chose armor of light. We aren’t supposed to just sit around and let our little light shine. We are supposed to march that light right into the darkness of an evil kingdom.
Millions of people are trapped in the dark, and our job is to fight our way to them. It was Israel’s job. “I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6). But, they botched it, turning, instead, to embrace the darkness themselves.
Now, it’s your turn. Will you sit on a hill among all your other Christian friends, hoping the world will see? Will you hide under a basket of worldliness and sin? Or, will you suit up in the armor of light, and head out into a dark and evil world. Will you take the light, so God’s salvation will reach to the ends of the earth?
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
He Will
Do you have faith? If asked, how many of us would deny it? We might clarify and justify, but few of us would deny.
But what about at night? You wake up in the middle of the night – the pain of your loss, the fear of failure, the voice of uncertainty, they hover around you in the darkness. Does your faith clear the air and sing you back to sleep, or do you turn and toss, watching the glowing red numbers advancing towards morning?
Most of us have faith, but it is weak. We are like the official who came to Jesus in Capernaum. This man had heard of water becoming wine and healings happening. When his own son was nearing death, he thought more and more about this one named, Jesus.
“If Jesus can do these great things, maybe he could heal my son,” the man surmised. And so, he went to Jesus and asked. He had to have had some level of faith, but it was too feeble.
Jesus challenged him. “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” This man’s son was dying, and Jesus was more concerned with the man’s faith. “I don’t think you really believe.”
The official rose to the challenge. “Sir, come down before my child dies.” It was as if he said, “I didn’t come to see any signs. I came because you may be the only hope my son has. If you don’t come he will die for sure.”
Now it’s sounding more like faith, but Jesus throws down another test. “Go; your son will live.” He wouldn’t go with the man. Instead, He wanted the man to believe He would heal the boy – total faith.
What would have happened if the man had said, “Great, thanks for nothing?
I believed you could heal my son, but you won’t even make the effort. Obviously, I was wrong.” Or, what if he had said nothing, but turned around defeated and headed home. Of course it’s only speculation, but I think this man’s son would have died.
God is glorified when our faith is tested and found true. So, how is your faith? Too many in the church today have settled for an “I believe God can” faith, and God sends a challenge to strengthen it. The official’s son was healed the moment the official turned away from Jesus with faith that Jesus would heal him. But we pray, “God, I know you can do this, so please do.” We add “in Jesus name” to the end of it. And then we worry and wait.
God wants us to ask in Jesus name – the representation of His character and power. Jesus name – the name that has “all authority in heaven and earth” ascribed to our prayers. Can you really ask in that name, and just believe he might be able to?
Whatever you ask for in my name – Jesus, the name above every name – my Father will do for you. He doesn’t want us to believe he can. He wants you to believe He will. And so, “the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:7)
But what about at night? You wake up in the middle of the night – the pain of your loss, the fear of failure, the voice of uncertainty, they hover around you in the darkness. Does your faith clear the air and sing you back to sleep, or do you turn and toss, watching the glowing red numbers advancing towards morning?
Most of us have faith, but it is weak. We are like the official who came to Jesus in Capernaum. This man had heard of water becoming wine and healings happening. When his own son was nearing death, he thought more and more about this one named, Jesus.
“If Jesus can do these great things, maybe he could heal my son,” the man surmised. And so, he went to Jesus and asked. He had to have had some level of faith, but it was too feeble.
Jesus challenged him. “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” This man’s son was dying, and Jesus was more concerned with the man’s faith. “I don’t think you really believe.”
The official rose to the challenge. “Sir, come down before my child dies.” It was as if he said, “I didn’t come to see any signs. I came because you may be the only hope my son has. If you don’t come he will die for sure.”
Now it’s sounding more like faith, but Jesus throws down another test. “Go; your son will live.” He wouldn’t go with the man. Instead, He wanted the man to believe He would heal the boy – total faith.
What would have happened if the man had said, “Great, thanks for nothing?
I believed you could heal my son, but you won’t even make the effort. Obviously, I was wrong.” Or, what if he had said nothing, but turned around defeated and headed home. Of course it’s only speculation, but I think this man’s son would have died.
God is glorified when our faith is tested and found true. So, how is your faith? Too many in the church today have settled for an “I believe God can” faith, and God sends a challenge to strengthen it. The official’s son was healed the moment the official turned away from Jesus with faith that Jesus would heal him. But we pray, “God, I know you can do this, so please do.” We add “in Jesus name” to the end of it. And then we worry and wait.
God wants us to ask in Jesus name – the representation of His character and power. Jesus name – the name that has “all authority in heaven and earth” ascribed to our prayers. Can you really ask in that name, and just believe he might be able to?
Whatever you ask for in my name – Jesus, the name above every name – my Father will do for you. He doesn’t want us to believe he can. He wants you to believe He will. And so, “the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:7)
Great Faith
Near the beginning of Jesus earthly ministry, he and his disciples were at a wedding. You know the story. The host ran out of wine, and Jesus’ mother turned to Jesus for help. He, of course, turned water into wine.
I’ve heard people say, “Jesus was such an obedient son, he did what his mother asked.” There’s no doubt Jesus was an obedient son, but technically she never asked for anything. She told him, “They are out of wine,” and then she said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
What kind of faith is that, to trust he would do something not even asked for? Can you imagine going to Jesus, and just saying, “Here is a need,” and then believing he would help with it? Jesus always responded positively to faith. When four men ripped open the roof to lower their paralytic friend to Jesus, he didn’t discipline their destruction.
Instead, seeing their faith, he forgave the man’s sin and healed him.
In one instance, a centurion, a Roman soldier, asked Jesus to heal his servant. His faith was so great, he believed Jesus didn’t have to go to the centurion’s house, but only speak. Jesus rewarded the man’s faith and the servant was well.
When the Canaanite woman, not a Jew, came and asked for help, Jesus declined. However, seeing the woman’s persistent faith, Jesus relented saying, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.”
But how many times do we also read the reprimand, “O you of little faith”? Storms on lakes, meals for multitudes, powerful demons, were problems with simple solutions for our Savior, yet for his disciples, these situations brought fear, confusion and discouragement.
What about you? Are winds and waves about to wash you away? Are you surrounded by a multitude of hungry people, longing for a taste of the bread of life? Is your servant sick?
The God who spoke the waves into existence can, surely, command them still today. Why do you doubt? The Savior, who sacrificed his own self, can still satisfy every need of everyone. Why do we live without forgiveness, without power or without wisdom? Do you doubt he can provide?
God rewards great faith. Can you imagine the joy of hearing these words from the Creator of the universe, “Be it done for you as you desire”? Knowing if He said it, it would happen. There is nothing that can overcome what He speaks.
Yet, even though this is true, how often do you doubt? How often have you felt God must be in heaven, shaking His head, saying, “O you of little faith”? You don’t ever have to hear those words again. Believe. Trust.
He is…the Mighty God…the Lord of Heaven’s Armies…a Mighty Fortress…Faithful and True…a Strong and Mighty Tower…a defender of the weak…Love…Life…
I’ve heard people say, “Jesus was such an obedient son, he did what his mother asked.” There’s no doubt Jesus was an obedient son, but technically she never asked for anything. She told him, “They are out of wine,” and then she said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
What kind of faith is that, to trust he would do something not even asked for? Can you imagine going to Jesus, and just saying, “Here is a need,” and then believing he would help with it? Jesus always responded positively to faith. When four men ripped open the roof to lower their paralytic friend to Jesus, he didn’t discipline their destruction.
Instead, seeing their faith, he forgave the man’s sin and healed him.
In one instance, a centurion, a Roman soldier, asked Jesus to heal his servant. His faith was so great, he believed Jesus didn’t have to go to the centurion’s house, but only speak. Jesus rewarded the man’s faith and the servant was well.
When the Canaanite woman, not a Jew, came and asked for help, Jesus declined. However, seeing the woman’s persistent faith, Jesus relented saying, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.”
But how many times do we also read the reprimand, “O you of little faith”? Storms on lakes, meals for multitudes, powerful demons, were problems with simple solutions for our Savior, yet for his disciples, these situations brought fear, confusion and discouragement.
What about you? Are winds and waves about to wash you away? Are you surrounded by a multitude of hungry people, longing for a taste of the bread of life? Is your servant sick?
The God who spoke the waves into existence can, surely, command them still today. Why do you doubt? The Savior, who sacrificed his own self, can still satisfy every need of everyone. Why do we live without forgiveness, without power or without wisdom? Do you doubt he can provide?
God rewards great faith. Can you imagine the joy of hearing these words from the Creator of the universe, “Be it done for you as you desire”? Knowing if He said it, it would happen. There is nothing that can overcome what He speaks.
Yet, even though this is true, how often do you doubt? How often have you felt God must be in heaven, shaking His head, saying, “O you of little faith”? You don’t ever have to hear those words again. Believe. Trust.
He is…the Mighty God…the Lord of Heaven’s Armies…a Mighty Fortress…Faithful and True…a Strong and Mighty Tower…a defender of the weak…Love…Life…
A Holy Priesthood
For sixteen years the temple had been silent, sacrifices stopped, worship suspended. Judah followed an evil king, Ahaz. He led them away from the Almighty and into idolatry. He led them to defeat and discouragement.
“But Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of Jerusalem… And Hezekiah his son reigned in his place… And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord…” (2 Chronicles 28:27-29:2) One of Hezekiah’s first acts as king was to round up the Levites and priests so they could clean up the temple. Ahab had brought elements of the false gods into the temple.
The priests and Levites had to purify themselves, and purify everything in the temple. This was what God had appointed them to do. The rest of Judah couldn’t worship God in the temple – nor would God enter the temple – unless this was done.
Once things had been purified, their job wasn’t finished. They had to make sacrifices for the people – lots of sacrifices. “They brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs and seven male goats” (2 Chron. 29:21). With these sacrifices complete, the people came and worshiped the Almighty.
But the job of the Levites and priests wasn’t over. They had to help the people restore their relationship with God. There were more
sacrifices. “The number of the burnt offerings that the assembly brought was 70 bulls, 100 rams, and 200 lambs; all these were for a burnt offering to the Lord. And the consecrated offerings were 600 bulls and 3,000 sheep.” Wow! This was some tough work.
Obviously, if these men had been doing their jobs over the past sixteen years, this wouldn’t have been such a big ordeal, but they hadn’t. They had gotten lazy. They hadn’t been worshiping other gods, just going through life – eating, drinking, buying and selling – but not doing their job.
What about you? God has called us to be “a kingdom of priests” and “a holy priesthood” (Rev. 5:10; 1 Peter 2:5). Have you been going through life, or have you been maintaining the purity of God’s temple…your body? Have you been busy sacrificing so others can come and worship our glorious God? Have you been sacrificing so others can restore their relationship with the Father?
Priests stood between the people and God, working to bring them together. Without their work, there would have been disaster for the people. It was a tough job.
It still is. Almost five billion people in our world are moving, each day, closer to disaster – an eternal separation from God…in hell. Your Father has appointed you to stand between, to move them towards Him. If you saw someone drowning in a swimming pool, would you:
sacrifice the time it would take to pull them out?
sacrifice the discomfort of jumping in a cold pool with your good clothes on?
sacrifice your own safety, knowing they could pull you under if you weren’t careful?
Or, would you stand sadly at the edge, wishing there was someone to help? You are that someone. Make the sacrifice. Jump in.
“But Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of Jerusalem… And Hezekiah his son reigned in his place… And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord…” (2 Chronicles 28:27-29:2) One of Hezekiah’s first acts as king was to round up the Levites and priests so they could clean up the temple. Ahab had brought elements of the false gods into the temple.
The priests and Levites had to purify themselves, and purify everything in the temple. This was what God had appointed them to do. The rest of Judah couldn’t worship God in the temple – nor would God enter the temple – unless this was done.
Once things had been purified, their job wasn’t finished. They had to make sacrifices for the people – lots of sacrifices. “They brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs and seven male goats” (2 Chron. 29:21). With these sacrifices complete, the people came and worshiped the Almighty.
But the job of the Levites and priests wasn’t over. They had to help the people restore their relationship with God. There were more
sacrifices. “The number of the burnt offerings that the assembly brought was 70 bulls, 100 rams, and 200 lambs; all these were for a burnt offering to the Lord. And the consecrated offerings were 600 bulls and 3,000 sheep.” Wow! This was some tough work.
Obviously, if these men had been doing their jobs over the past sixteen years, this wouldn’t have been such a big ordeal, but they hadn’t. They had gotten lazy. They hadn’t been worshiping other gods, just going through life – eating, drinking, buying and selling – but not doing their job.
What about you? God has called us to be “a kingdom of priests” and “a holy priesthood” (Rev. 5:10; 1 Peter 2:5). Have you been going through life, or have you been maintaining the purity of God’s temple…your body? Have you been busy sacrificing so others can come and worship our glorious God? Have you been sacrificing so others can restore their relationship with the Father?
Priests stood between the people and God, working to bring them together. Without their work, there would have been disaster for the people. It was a tough job.
It still is. Almost five billion people in our world are moving, each day, closer to disaster – an eternal separation from God…in hell. Your Father has appointed you to stand between, to move them towards Him. If you saw someone drowning in a swimming pool, would you:
sacrifice the time it would take to pull them out?
sacrifice the discomfort of jumping in a cold pool with your good clothes on?
sacrifice your own safety, knowing they could pull you under if you weren’t careful?
Or, would you stand sadly at the edge, wishing there was someone to help? You are that someone. Make the sacrifice. Jump in.
Friday, May 6, 2011
What Are You Looking At?
“Thirty-two thousand men…following me. There’s no way the Midianites can stand against us. We’re invincible.”
“You’ve got too many men, Gideon.”
“What, Lord? Too many men?”
“Yes. Say to the people, “Whoever is afraid can go home.”
As Gideon watched twenty-two thousand of his troops tramp back home what was he thinking? This is Gideon, the weakest-clan warrior, the hide-in-a-hole hero. Was he shaking in his sandals?
I don’t think so. God had called him to lead, had promised him victory. I think he probably got a little nervous as the fearful fled, but then he looked at the fearless – ten thousand battle-ready warriors.
If God said there were too many before, then these guys must be the leanest, meanest fighting force ever assembled. “There’s no way the Midianites can stand against us. We’re invincible.”
“You’ve got too many men, Gideon.”
“What, Lord? Too many men?”
“Yes. I’ll separate them for you. Take them down to the water.”
God had Gideon set aside those that brought the water to their mouths from those who put their mouths to the water. Three hundred in one group, nine thousand seven hundred in the other.
As Gideon looked out over the two groups, he probably nodded with satisfaction. “Three hundred, that’s doable. We should have no problem defeating Midian without those three hundred guys.”
“No, Gideon, the three hundred is your army. Send the nine thousand seven hundred home.”
“What! Three hundred men?”
God went out of his way to make sure Gideon knew God was with him. He called him, burned up a meal on a rock, kept the fleece wet and kept the fleece dry. “Gideon, I’ve chosen you!” It’s almost as if God was shouting it. “You are the one.”
And then…when Gideon’s finally convinced – and thirty-two thousand others are too – it seems as if God’s saying, “Just kidding.” Of course, that’s not what was going on.
God chose Gideon, chose Gideon to lead Israel, chose Gideon to defeat Midian. But God also chose Gideon to follow Him, do depend on Him, to bring glory to Him. Gideon couldn’t let the sight of thirty-two thousand men take his eyes off the King of Glory.
When we are afraid, hiding in a hole, it is easy to place our trust in the power of the almighty, world-creating, death-defeating God. But for many of us, all we need is a little confidence, a little prosperity, a little victory and then we act like four year-olds. “I can do it myself.”
When it seems as if your resources are receding or your followers flagging, perhaps that’s not a sign of discouragement. Instead, it’s a sign that the God of the universe is preparing you for an amazing battle. He’s going to strike down the Midianites in your life. He just wants you to know He is the power in powerful, the might in almighty and the victor in victory.
“You’ve got too many men, Gideon.”
“What, Lord? Too many men?”
“Yes. Say to the people, “Whoever is afraid can go home.”
As Gideon watched twenty-two thousand of his troops tramp back home what was he thinking? This is Gideon, the weakest-clan warrior, the hide-in-a-hole hero. Was he shaking in his sandals?
I don’t think so. God had called him to lead, had promised him victory. I think he probably got a little nervous as the fearful fled, but then he looked at the fearless – ten thousand battle-ready warriors.
If God said there were too many before, then these guys must be the leanest, meanest fighting force ever assembled. “There’s no way the Midianites can stand against us. We’re invincible.”
“You’ve got too many men, Gideon.”
“What, Lord? Too many men?”
“Yes. I’ll separate them for you. Take them down to the water.”
God had Gideon set aside those that brought the water to their mouths from those who put their mouths to the water. Three hundred in one group, nine thousand seven hundred in the other.
As Gideon looked out over the two groups, he probably nodded with satisfaction. “Three hundred, that’s doable. We should have no problem defeating Midian without those three hundred guys.”
“No, Gideon, the three hundred is your army. Send the nine thousand seven hundred home.”
“What! Three hundred men?”
God went out of his way to make sure Gideon knew God was with him. He called him, burned up a meal on a rock, kept the fleece wet and kept the fleece dry. “Gideon, I’ve chosen you!” It’s almost as if God was shouting it. “You are the one.”
And then…when Gideon’s finally convinced – and thirty-two thousand others are too – it seems as if God’s saying, “Just kidding.” Of course, that’s not what was going on.
God chose Gideon, chose Gideon to lead Israel, chose Gideon to defeat Midian. But God also chose Gideon to follow Him, do depend on Him, to bring glory to Him. Gideon couldn’t let the sight of thirty-two thousand men take his eyes off the King of Glory.
When we are afraid, hiding in a hole, it is easy to place our trust in the power of the almighty, world-creating, death-defeating God. But for many of us, all we need is a little confidence, a little prosperity, a little victory and then we act like four year-olds. “I can do it myself.”
When it seems as if your resources are receding or your followers flagging, perhaps that’s not a sign of discouragement. Instead, it’s a sign that the God of the universe is preparing you for an amazing battle. He’s going to strike down the Midianites in your life. He just wants you to know He is the power in powerful, the might in almighty and the victor in victory.
Fleece
Angel: “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?”
Gideon: “But…”
Angel: “I will be with you, and you will strike the Midianites as one man.”
Gideon: “If you will save Israel by my hand as you have said, behold I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.”
God: Did it.
Gideon: “Please let me test one more time with the fleece…”
God: Did it again. “Now – Go down against the [Midian] camp, for I have given it into your hand. But if you are afraid to go down, go down with Purah your servant. And you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp.”
Then Gideon went with Purah…
And they call Thomas “Doubting.”
But how many of us are just like Gideon? And usually (okay for me – always), God isn’t asking us to go into battle against a superior fighting force using REAL swords… that cause REAL wounds…and possibly REAL death. For us, it’s more like God saying, “Obey my commands… even when you don’t want to.”
And our response:
“Oh, I don’t know if I can do it. God probably doesn’t want me to really obey. I mean, not all the time. People might think I’m weird… How could I be an effective witness if they think I’m weird?
“Okay, I feel better about that now. I think. God, do you really want me to obey? I mean… I… I’ll tell you what, God. If you want me to do this, then make it crystal clear to me – somehow.”
I’ve done that…more than once. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’m alone in this. Neither do I think this is what the story is trying to show us. God is not about miracles or magic just to help us see what he wants us to do.
However, if confirmation helps you do what he’s already asked you to do, He might. God asked, quite possibly, the biggest chicken in the world to become an army commander. Confidence boosters were exactly what Gideon needed.
But don’t read the story and expect God to wet the fleece for you.
First you must listen. Open your heart to hear the voice of God calling you to service. Note that Gideon said twice as you have said. He already knew what God wanted. Gideon’s struggle was with obedience.
When God has asked you to do something, he will grant what you need to be obedient. Ask him for it…again and again, if necessary. He will provide.
Gideon: “But…”
Angel: “I will be with you, and you will strike the Midianites as one man.”
Gideon: “If you will save Israel by my hand as you have said, behold I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.”
God: Did it.
Gideon: “Please let me test one more time with the fleece…”
God: Did it again. “Now – Go down against the [Midian] camp, for I have given it into your hand. But if you are afraid to go down, go down with Purah your servant. And you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp.”
Then Gideon went with Purah…
And they call Thomas “Doubting.”
But how many of us are just like Gideon? And usually (okay for me – always), God isn’t asking us to go into battle against a superior fighting force using REAL swords… that cause REAL wounds…and possibly REAL death. For us, it’s more like God saying, “Obey my commands… even when you don’t want to.”
And our response:
“Oh, I don’t know if I can do it. God probably doesn’t want me to really obey. I mean, not all the time. People might think I’m weird… How could I be an effective witness if they think I’m weird?
“Okay, I feel better about that now. I think. God, do you really want me to obey? I mean… I… I’ll tell you what, God. If you want me to do this, then make it crystal clear to me – somehow.”
I’ve done that…more than once. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’m alone in this. Neither do I think this is what the story is trying to show us. God is not about miracles or magic just to help us see what he wants us to do.
However, if confirmation helps you do what he’s already asked you to do, He might. God asked, quite possibly, the biggest chicken in the world to become an army commander. Confidence boosters were exactly what Gideon needed.
But don’t read the story and expect God to wet the fleece for you.
First you must listen. Open your heart to hear the voice of God calling you to service. Note that Gideon said twice as you have said. He already knew what God wanted. Gideon’s struggle was with obedience.
When God has asked you to do something, he will grant what you need to be obedient. Ask him for it…again and again, if necessary. He will provide.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Pretest
The night was dark, the air still. Why is it so quiet? Thunder…God, some thunder would be nice right about now. The sky was silent.
The man was sure the men of the town would hear. How could they not? Rocks were tumbling, wood splitting, bulls bellowing, the noise was deafening.
They would kill him when they got to him. He’d had dreams of leading God’s people against the Midianites. Those dreams would soak into the dusty soil along with his blood. AND, it was going to be God’s people that drained him of both.
The men with him were good men, but they would run. He would be alone to face the men of his town, his friends…his family. Why had God asked him to do this? Why would God put him in this place?
Have you ever been in a situation destined for failure? Ever felt like God had something special he wanted from you, but your current crisis seemed to doom God’s design? That’s exactly where Gideon found himself.
God had called him to a meaningful task. But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man. First, however, God had one other small assignment.
…pull down the altar of Baal that your father has, and cut down the Asherah that is beside it and build an altar to the Lord your God on top of the stronghold here… (Judges 6:26)
If God wanted to use Gideon to free his people from the bondage of Midian, why would he threaten that plan? Of course, God didn’t. The only real threat to Gideon was between his ears.
That’s not to say he was in no danger. Gideon was afraid of the men of the town, and sure enough the next morning they came to kill him. The threats came to nothing, but Gideon’s actions were important for several reasons.
1. It showed that Gideon would obey God. He may have been terrified. He may have done it in secrecy, in the middle of the night, but he did it.
2. It pointed out the sin of God’s people, sins that needed to be addressed. They wanted God to save them, but they were still worshipping other gods as well.
3. It showed God’s people that Gideon was not afraid of the gods of the Midianites. In fact, they gave him a new name, Jerubbaal, which meant Let Baal contend against him. Baal didn’t.
After this experience Gideon called for warriors, and 32,000 men were willing to follow him. Would those warriors have followed Gideon if he hadn’t passed through this time of testing? When God places you in a path that seems to hold no hope of success, don’t be too quick to pray for deliverance.
Obey. In the dark of night, do what’s right. Face your fear and remain faithful. God may be preparing you for something much greater. To the one who is faithful in the little things, much will be given.
The man was sure the men of the town would hear. How could they not? Rocks were tumbling, wood splitting, bulls bellowing, the noise was deafening.
They would kill him when they got to him. He’d had dreams of leading God’s people against the Midianites. Those dreams would soak into the dusty soil along with his blood. AND, it was going to be God’s people that drained him of both.
The men with him were good men, but they would run. He would be alone to face the men of his town, his friends…his family. Why had God asked him to do this? Why would God put him in this place?
Have you ever been in a situation destined for failure? Ever felt like God had something special he wanted from you, but your current crisis seemed to doom God’s design? That’s exactly where Gideon found himself.
God had called him to a meaningful task. But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man. First, however, God had one other small assignment.
…pull down the altar of Baal that your father has, and cut down the Asherah that is beside it and build an altar to the Lord your God on top of the stronghold here… (Judges 6:26)
If God wanted to use Gideon to free his people from the bondage of Midian, why would he threaten that plan? Of course, God didn’t. The only real threat to Gideon was between his ears.
That’s not to say he was in no danger. Gideon was afraid of the men of the town, and sure enough the next morning they came to kill him. The threats came to nothing, but Gideon’s actions were important for several reasons.
1. It showed that Gideon would obey God. He may have been terrified. He may have done it in secrecy, in the middle of the night, but he did it.
2. It pointed out the sin of God’s people, sins that needed to be addressed. They wanted God to save them, but they were still worshipping other gods as well.
3. It showed God’s people that Gideon was not afraid of the gods of the Midianites. In fact, they gave him a new name, Jerubbaal, which meant Let Baal contend against him. Baal didn’t.
After this experience Gideon called for warriors, and 32,000 men were willing to follow him. Would those warriors have followed Gideon if he hadn’t passed through this time of testing? When God places you in a path that seems to hold no hope of success, don’t be too quick to pray for deliverance.
Obey. In the dark of night, do what’s right. Face your fear and remain faithful. God may be preparing you for something much greater. To the one who is faithful in the little things, much will be given.
O Mighty Man of Valor
The hole was shallow, carved from solid rock. The low bowl normally held the juice of the grapes as they were stomped. It was NOT designed for threshing wheat.
Wide eyes peeked over the lip of the winepress, scanning the horizon for dust plumes or any other evidence that the enemy was near. Seeing nothing, the man ducked back into the hole. He was miserable, but hunger could make you do things you normally wouldn’t.
The work was stifling. Sweat dripped from his nose and stung his eyes. The chaff from the wheat stuck to his skin.
He lifted a bowl of the un-sifted wheat as high as he dared and slowly dumped it out, shaking it slightly over the empty bowl below. While it fell he blew against the grain hoping to blow the lighter hulls away from the heavier grains. The solid wheat kernels peppered the inside of the lower bowl. Unfortunately, most of the empty husks landed in the bowl as well.
The wind was blowing up outside of the hole, and if he took the grain to the surface the breeze would quickly disperse the chaff like a dust storm. The Midianite hordes would take the wheat just as quickly. They’d been doing it for seven years, so food was scarce, and he couldn’t afford to lose this meager amount of wheat his family had been able to hide from them.
God had forsaken his people. He wouldn’t be hiding in a hole if it weren’t true. He could be brave, stand tall, even destroy the Midianites.
Dusty fingers tried picking out dried husks and grass from the good grains. He envisioned himself in armor, leading an army of mighty warriors against those marauding Midian locusts. “Yeah, right. Stay in your hole and hide,” he mumbled aloud.
Quickly he slapped a dirty hand over his mouth. He peeked over the rim of the hole again, scanning all around. Nothing.
Whew!
The man plopped back down and chaff puffed up around him. God, why have you forsake us? A prophet said it was because the people had not obeyed God.
At a tiny noise the man’s head rose and there was another man towering over him at the edge of the winepress. I’m dead! The wheat will be stolen, and my family will do without…again. “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor,” the man’s voice boomed.
What? The Lord is with me? Where? Here in this hole?
The man in the hole was Gideon, and the man who appeared was an angel of the Lord. If this angel materialized in front of you, what might he call you: o patient one, o dependable servant, o compassionate child? Don’t look to your strengths. You won’t find your name there. Think about your potential problems, your most constant insecurity, your greatest weakness.
The name God calls you may well be found there. Where you see problems, God envisions potential. Where Gideon felt weak, unable to defend his food from his foes, humbly hiding from them in a hole, God saw a mighty man of valor.
Does this mean you’re mistaken about your own weakness? Was Gideon? Was the man threshing wheat in a winepress really mighty?
No. He was weak and scared – a chicken, but he became a mighty warrior. How?
The secret of Gideon’s metamorphosis from weakness to warrior, mouse to man, was in the angel’s first statement. “The Lord is with you.” Later the Bible tells us the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon. God’s Spirit covered him. Talk about some powerful armor.
We have an added bonus in that God’s Spirit lives in us if we are children of God. That doesn’t guarantee a change from weakness to strength, because we must be with God. We have to crucify ourselves and let God live through us.
When we do, our weakness can become His strength. Our disorganization develops into His order. Our frustration becomes His peace.
Wide eyes peeked over the lip of the winepress, scanning the horizon for dust plumes or any other evidence that the enemy was near. Seeing nothing, the man ducked back into the hole. He was miserable, but hunger could make you do things you normally wouldn’t.
The work was stifling. Sweat dripped from his nose and stung his eyes. The chaff from the wheat stuck to his skin.
He lifted a bowl of the un-sifted wheat as high as he dared and slowly dumped it out, shaking it slightly over the empty bowl below. While it fell he blew against the grain hoping to blow the lighter hulls away from the heavier grains. The solid wheat kernels peppered the inside of the lower bowl. Unfortunately, most of the empty husks landed in the bowl as well.
The wind was blowing up outside of the hole, and if he took the grain to the surface the breeze would quickly disperse the chaff like a dust storm. The Midianite hordes would take the wheat just as quickly. They’d been doing it for seven years, so food was scarce, and he couldn’t afford to lose this meager amount of wheat his family had been able to hide from them.
God had forsaken his people. He wouldn’t be hiding in a hole if it weren’t true. He could be brave, stand tall, even destroy the Midianites.
Dusty fingers tried picking out dried husks and grass from the good grains. He envisioned himself in armor, leading an army of mighty warriors against those marauding Midian locusts. “Yeah, right. Stay in your hole and hide,” he mumbled aloud.
Quickly he slapped a dirty hand over his mouth. He peeked over the rim of the hole again, scanning all around. Nothing.
Whew!
The man plopped back down and chaff puffed up around him. God, why have you forsake us? A prophet said it was because the people had not obeyed God.
At a tiny noise the man’s head rose and there was another man towering over him at the edge of the winepress. I’m dead! The wheat will be stolen, and my family will do without…again. “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor,” the man’s voice boomed.
What? The Lord is with me? Where? Here in this hole?
The man in the hole was Gideon, and the man who appeared was an angel of the Lord. If this angel materialized in front of you, what might he call you: o patient one, o dependable servant, o compassionate child? Don’t look to your strengths. You won’t find your name there. Think about your potential problems, your most constant insecurity, your greatest weakness.
The name God calls you may well be found there. Where you see problems, God envisions potential. Where Gideon felt weak, unable to defend his food from his foes, humbly hiding from them in a hole, God saw a mighty man of valor.
Does this mean you’re mistaken about your own weakness? Was Gideon? Was the man threshing wheat in a winepress really mighty?
No. He was weak and scared – a chicken, but he became a mighty warrior. How?
The secret of Gideon’s metamorphosis from weakness to warrior, mouse to man, was in the angel’s first statement. “The Lord is with you.” Later the Bible tells us the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon. God’s Spirit covered him. Talk about some powerful armor.
We have an added bonus in that God’s Spirit lives in us if we are children of God. That doesn’t guarantee a change from weakness to strength, because we must be with God. We have to crucify ourselves and let God live through us.
When we do, our weakness can become His strength. Our disorganization develops into His order. Our frustration becomes His peace.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Redefining Retirement
A cardboard box filled – “World’s Greatest Grandpa” coffee cup, photos of the family, a few “success” books, pens, pencils, a nearly empty package of breath mints, the outer one slightly gray – you carry the remains of a life long career. Tomorrow you don’t have to drag yourself out of bed. You don’t have to drag yourself anywhere. You won’t need to set an alarm. Not that it matters, you’ll wake up at 5:45, the same as you have for years.
What’s next? Relax. Take it easy. Who cares, you’re retired – free!
What does God say about retirement? Interestingly, he’s rather silent on the subject. Perhaps it’s because retirement is a fairly new phenomenon.
Long ago work had much more to do with survival than building a 401k. If you’re working to put dinner on the table retirement is going to leave you seriously hungry. However, maybe God is silent on the matter because he’s got other plans.
There was a king, hair thin and gray, hands gnarled, laying on his deathbed, literally. Bones aching, body weak, shaking, he just couldn’t get warm no matter what his servants tried. He’d lived a good life, had no regrets. He was ready.
Then came the news. You can’t die yet, there’s more to do. The heir to the throne was being usurped. Both were the sons of the king, the heir and usurper, so if either ruled the king’s lineage would continue. He could have rolled over and said, “I’m too old for this stuff. Let the young ones fight over it. My time is past.”
Not this king, he dragged himself out of bed. Calling his advisors, he determined the situation. He met with the leaders who ruled under him and made sure a coronation was held for the true heir to the throne.
Okay, that’s enough right. Get back in bed, old man. Nope, not yet.
The king took his son, the heir, and taught him. Reviewed all the wise things he’d taught him over a life of preparation. When the son was firmly on the throne, and the other son had abdicated his false claims to the crown, then King David, the giant killer and friend of God, retired.
Retired. It’s one of those weird re-words that doesn’t work. Re often means “again” – redo: do it again, rebuild: build it again, refrigerate: frigerate it again. Okay, refrigerate is another one that doesn’t quite work.
Retire. Maybe it means you spent thirty years getting tired, now, do it again. I doubt I’d get too many supporters for that definition.
Sometimes I picture it a different way. If you’ve ever watched a car race, you’ve seen a pit stop crew. Now I’m not mechanically minded, not even a little.
Last week I had to replace a rear turn signal bulb on my truck. It should have taken five minutes, but three hours and four trips to the parts store later I’d gotten so mad I broke the rear light assembly. I shoved it all back in and started once again to the parts store to return the new assembly I’d bought, the one that didn’t work. On my way to the store I absent-mindedly flipped on the turn signal – AND IT WORKED! If I’d have known breaking it would have fixed it I could have done that before I ever bought the new bulb.
Needless to say, I appreciate the skill and speed of the pit stop crew.
That race car can go round and round (never really getting anywhere in my opinion), driven hard, tires bald. It rolls into the pit stop and in a matter of seconds the pit stop crew has got the car re-tired. It’s ready to get back out there and do what it was created for.
I wonder if that’s God’s idea of retirement. He says, “Come to me you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
“Yes!” you might be thinking, especially if you’re close to retirement. You might be picturing a hammock under a shade tree or a recliner in the den. Sorry to mess up your daydreams, but God didn’t stop there.
“Take my yolk upon you….” A yolk is the work tool of the oxen. It allows two oxen to pull a load together.
“You want rest, relaxation?” God asks. “Come and work with me. That’s where you’ll find it.” Maybe in God’s eyes retirement is more about re-commissioning. God giving you time to do a new job, maybe a job with much greater impact than the career you spent the rest of your life working.
There was a man who started a new career at age sixty-nine, when most of his peers had already been retired for several years. He only worked the job for eight years, but he was better known for that post than for any other thing he did in his life. His name was Ronald Reagan.
It’s an impressive story, but all he did was serve as President of a country. You could help build the kingdom of God. When the time comes let God re-tire you so you can get back out there and do what you were created to do.
What’s next? Relax. Take it easy. Who cares, you’re retired – free!
What does God say about retirement? Interestingly, he’s rather silent on the subject. Perhaps it’s because retirement is a fairly new phenomenon.
Long ago work had much more to do with survival than building a 401k. If you’re working to put dinner on the table retirement is going to leave you seriously hungry. However, maybe God is silent on the matter because he’s got other plans.
There was a king, hair thin and gray, hands gnarled, laying on his deathbed, literally. Bones aching, body weak, shaking, he just couldn’t get warm no matter what his servants tried. He’d lived a good life, had no regrets. He was ready.
Then came the news. You can’t die yet, there’s more to do. The heir to the throne was being usurped. Both were the sons of the king, the heir and usurper, so if either ruled the king’s lineage would continue. He could have rolled over and said, “I’m too old for this stuff. Let the young ones fight over it. My time is past.”
Not this king, he dragged himself out of bed. Calling his advisors, he determined the situation. He met with the leaders who ruled under him and made sure a coronation was held for the true heir to the throne.
Okay, that’s enough right. Get back in bed, old man. Nope, not yet.
The king took his son, the heir, and taught him. Reviewed all the wise things he’d taught him over a life of preparation. When the son was firmly on the throne, and the other son had abdicated his false claims to the crown, then King David, the giant killer and friend of God, retired.
Retired. It’s one of those weird re-words that doesn’t work. Re often means “again” – redo: do it again, rebuild: build it again, refrigerate: frigerate it again. Okay, refrigerate is another one that doesn’t quite work.
Retire. Maybe it means you spent thirty years getting tired, now, do it again. I doubt I’d get too many supporters for that definition.
Sometimes I picture it a different way. If you’ve ever watched a car race, you’ve seen a pit stop crew. Now I’m not mechanically minded, not even a little.
Last week I had to replace a rear turn signal bulb on my truck. It should have taken five minutes, but three hours and four trips to the parts store later I’d gotten so mad I broke the rear light assembly. I shoved it all back in and started once again to the parts store to return the new assembly I’d bought, the one that didn’t work. On my way to the store I absent-mindedly flipped on the turn signal – AND IT WORKED! If I’d have known breaking it would have fixed it I could have done that before I ever bought the new bulb.
Needless to say, I appreciate the skill and speed of the pit stop crew.
That race car can go round and round (never really getting anywhere in my opinion), driven hard, tires bald. It rolls into the pit stop and in a matter of seconds the pit stop crew has got the car re-tired. It’s ready to get back out there and do what it was created for.
I wonder if that’s God’s idea of retirement. He says, “Come to me you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
“Yes!” you might be thinking, especially if you’re close to retirement. You might be picturing a hammock under a shade tree or a recliner in the den. Sorry to mess up your daydreams, but God didn’t stop there.
“Take my yolk upon you….” A yolk is the work tool of the oxen. It allows two oxen to pull a load together.
“You want rest, relaxation?” God asks. “Come and work with me. That’s where you’ll find it.” Maybe in God’s eyes retirement is more about re-commissioning. God giving you time to do a new job, maybe a job with much greater impact than the career you spent the rest of your life working.
There was a man who started a new career at age sixty-nine, when most of his peers had already been retired for several years. He only worked the job for eight years, but he was better known for that post than for any other thing he did in his life. His name was Ronald Reagan.
It’s an impressive story, but all he did was serve as President of a country. You could help build the kingdom of God. When the time comes let God re-tire you so you can get back out there and do what you were created to do.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Redefining the Boss
Feet caked with mud, arms scratched, muscles aching, the man mashes straw into mud. His team is required to create a certain number of adobe bricks each day. It’s a hard, unrelenting job.
As he squishes in the mud, each stomp of his feet keeps the beat of the song in his heart. He thinks about the upcoming vacation and can’t help but smile. Even the shouts of the boss to hurry can’t get him riled today. He’s going to have a few days off.
A kernel of doubt enters his brain. “The big boss hasn’t Okayed the trip yet.” It was true. He was still awaiting final approval.
They had asked for time off to go and worship. The boss was a religious man. Granted, it was a different religion, but he understood the need for worship.
The doubt didn’t leave. It irritated him the way a sharp rock down in the mud would do to his foot. The difference: with the rock he could stick his hand down in the quagmire and pull it out. The feeling of uncertainty in his mind was more elusive.
How about you? Have you ever had a situation at work where you asked the boss for a favor? How about a favor that had to do with worship, or a Bible conference, or a Good-Friday service, did you have to wait for the boss to answer your request? It can be frustrating. Let’s look back at our story and see what happened.
The boss gave a resounding NO. No way. Not a chance.
The man was discouraged as he went to bed the night he heard. The next morning he had to drag himself to work. The day didn’t get better. The boss let his team know that there was a change.
“If you have enough time to go off to worship your God, you’ve got time to gather your own straw.”
“What?” The man thought. “We already dig the clay from the hillside and carry the water from the river. If we have to have to gather the straw too we’ll never be able to make as many bricks.” Then he chuckled under his breath. “Serves the boss right – he won’t have as many bricks, the Jerk.”
Just then the boss said, “I’ll expect the same number of bricks as always. Failure to do so will bring about steep penalties.”
Unfair! Unjust! Why would God allow this to happen to people who were trying to worship him? He’s a loving God who wants to bless his children. How could he be so uncaring?
The man in the story and his team asked God very similar question. Their leader, Moses, questioned God’s actions – or inaction – as well. And, if you’re like me, you’ve probably questioned God in very similar ways when things didn’t go as you planned.
So, why didn’t God allow them to go and worship. I mean, that’s a good thing, a great thing, something he’s commanded us to do. Does God not really care?
In truth, God does care about us. That doesn’t mean blessing us is his first priority though, especially if by blessing us we mean giving us what we want. God’s first priority is that he is glorified before the world. Ezekiel 36:22-23 says, “It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name … I will vindicate the holiness of my great name which has been profaned among the nations … and the nations will know that I am the Lord….”
That’s what he was doing for Moses and children of Israel. After Moses questioned God’s inaction the Lord said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharoah….” (Exodus 6:1) He gave Moses a message for the people. Basically he said, “You wanted to go worship me for a few days and then come back to serve as slaves under Pharoah, but I’m going to way out do that dream. I’m going to take you to the land I promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I’m going to be your God and you, my children, will worship me there.”
Wow! God’s plan was a far greater blessing, and in the process of blessing the children of Israel he would glorify his name among all the nations. Before you get too excited, read the response of his people. Moses told them everything God had said, “but they did not listen to Moses, because of their broken spirit and harsh slavery.”
It would be easy for us to shake our heads at their attitude, but how often have I completely missed the real blessing God had planned because I was feeling sorry for myself. I was having a pity party because God didn’t do what I thought he should have.
When things don’t go your way lift your eyes to the hills – or those bright, white, fluorescent lights if you’re at work – and say like the Psalm, “My help comes from the Lord (the Boss), who made heaven and earth.” (121:2) You can watch his plan unfold. You can be the one glorifying his name before the nations.
As he squishes in the mud, each stomp of his feet keeps the beat of the song in his heart. He thinks about the upcoming vacation and can’t help but smile. Even the shouts of the boss to hurry can’t get him riled today. He’s going to have a few days off.
A kernel of doubt enters his brain. “The big boss hasn’t Okayed the trip yet.” It was true. He was still awaiting final approval.
They had asked for time off to go and worship. The boss was a religious man. Granted, it was a different religion, but he understood the need for worship.
The doubt didn’t leave. It irritated him the way a sharp rock down in the mud would do to his foot. The difference: with the rock he could stick his hand down in the quagmire and pull it out. The feeling of uncertainty in his mind was more elusive.
How about you? Have you ever had a situation at work where you asked the boss for a favor? How about a favor that had to do with worship, or a Bible conference, or a Good-Friday service, did you have to wait for the boss to answer your request? It can be frustrating. Let’s look back at our story and see what happened.
The boss gave a resounding NO. No way. Not a chance.
The man was discouraged as he went to bed the night he heard. The next morning he had to drag himself to work. The day didn’t get better. The boss let his team know that there was a change.
“If you have enough time to go off to worship your God, you’ve got time to gather your own straw.”
“What?” The man thought. “We already dig the clay from the hillside and carry the water from the river. If we have to have to gather the straw too we’ll never be able to make as many bricks.” Then he chuckled under his breath. “Serves the boss right – he won’t have as many bricks, the Jerk.”
Just then the boss said, “I’ll expect the same number of bricks as always. Failure to do so will bring about steep penalties.”
Unfair! Unjust! Why would God allow this to happen to people who were trying to worship him? He’s a loving God who wants to bless his children. How could he be so uncaring?
The man in the story and his team asked God very similar question. Their leader, Moses, questioned God’s actions – or inaction – as well. And, if you’re like me, you’ve probably questioned God in very similar ways when things didn’t go as you planned.
So, why didn’t God allow them to go and worship. I mean, that’s a good thing, a great thing, something he’s commanded us to do. Does God not really care?
In truth, God does care about us. That doesn’t mean blessing us is his first priority though, especially if by blessing us we mean giving us what we want. God’s first priority is that he is glorified before the world. Ezekiel 36:22-23 says, “It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name … I will vindicate the holiness of my great name which has been profaned among the nations … and the nations will know that I am the Lord….”
That’s what he was doing for Moses and children of Israel. After Moses questioned God’s inaction the Lord said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharoah….” (Exodus 6:1) He gave Moses a message for the people. Basically he said, “You wanted to go worship me for a few days and then come back to serve as slaves under Pharoah, but I’m going to way out do that dream. I’m going to take you to the land I promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I’m going to be your God and you, my children, will worship me there.”
Wow! God’s plan was a far greater blessing, and in the process of blessing the children of Israel he would glorify his name among all the nations. Before you get too excited, read the response of his people. Moses told them everything God had said, “but they did not listen to Moses, because of their broken spirit and harsh slavery.”
It would be easy for us to shake our heads at their attitude, but how often have I completely missed the real blessing God had planned because I was feeling sorry for myself. I was having a pity party because God didn’t do what I thought he should have.
When things don’t go your way lift your eyes to the hills – or those bright, white, fluorescent lights if you’re at work – and say like the Psalm, “My help comes from the Lord (the Boss), who made heaven and earth.” (121:2) You can watch his plan unfold. You can be the one glorifying his name before the nations.
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