Then Jesus shouted out again, and he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart,... Matthew 27:50-51
I have been reading through the Bible chronologically this year, and this morning brought me to the account of the crucifixion of Jesus. As I read of Pilate's failure to act on what he knew to be true (He knew very well that the Jewish leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy. v.18) , I felt an anger and indignation that this key leader would order the flogging and allow the execution of a man he knew to be innocent.
And I continued to read Matthew's account of Jesus' death.
Then the reading guide I have been following took me to the book of Mark, where I read the same story all over again, again became frustrated with Pilate's response, but at the same time caught myself just basically skimming through the reading, as I had just read almost the identical words from Matthew.
And that is when it struck me.
While we all know the recorded details of all of Christ's suffering leading up to and including His crucifixion, what truly disturbs me today is not an ancient politician's failure to act - it is my own failure to act. How can I read the account of my Lord's torturous final hours and not be brought to tears? How can I know the truth that His death was what I deserved, and not be totally broken and humbled at the great love extended to me? I tear up when I ask for prayer for acquaintances who have cancer; I weep at the loss of people I don't even know; I cry when I read about a fictional character being mistreated in a novel; I have even shed tears at the death of a cartoon character in a Disney movie! And yet I read the true account of my Savior's life and blood poured out for me as if it is simply history? This is tragic!
And so my prayer today is that God would soften my obviously calloused heart, and heal me of the desensitization that has occurred in my life. May I never again speak of Christ's great sacrifice in such a matter-of-fact way, as though it is nothing more than the historical basis for my faith.
"God, give me a sense of brokenness and humility every time I think of the price that was paid for my disobedience to Your word. And when I speak of Your Son, may it be with the kind of passion that comes with a deep sense of gratitude at the gift I have been given. Re-sensitize me, Lord!"
...Just a thought...
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Obedience
The LORD told Isaiah son of Amoz, "Take off all your clothes, including your sandals." Isaiah did as he was told and walked around naked and barefoot. Isaiah 20:2
Have you ever done anything hard for God? When you think about "an obedient servant of the Lord," what comes to mind? I think of missionaries - those God has called to leave their homes and families to go live in a foreign country. I think of friends of mine who grew up in missionary boarding schools while their parents served the Lord in dangerous and remote areas.
Last week, I saw a car that was painted all over with Bible verses and warnings to repent and turn to God. I think there was even an extra sign attached to the roof to make room for more pronouncements. When I saw that car, I admit my reaction was to think it was probably driven by some odd, but well-intentioned person who was probably "not quite right in the head". In my mind, I just don't really think that's the most effective way to witness to people. But as I read scripture, I have to admit that what's "in my mind" is not always accurate.
As I was reading in Isaiah this morning, he's in the midst of making pronouncements on God's plans for judging the nations. He is boldly proclaiming the words God has given him of impending doom and destruction. And then God tells him to take off his clothes and sandals and walk around naked and barefoot. My first thought is that this is a very different picture of God than what most American churches are presenting. And, though I've read this passage before, still I'm thinking, "That's just crazy!" But then, I continue reading and see that not only was Isaiah's response immediate obedience - it was continual obedience. The Bible says that Isaiah walked around barefoot and naked for THREE YEARS! So then my next thought is, "WOW!" Isaiah must have had an incredible confidence in the Lord. And then I began to ask myself what I would have done...
See, when I picture an old guy (I don't know how old Isaiah was at the time, actually) walking around naked, my first thought is that he's got to be some kind of a pervert. If he's not a prevert, then he must be completely insane. But this old guy walking around naked is neither. He is OBEDIENT!
If I'm honest, I don't think I would have done it. And that concerns me. I like to think of myself as being totally committed to following God, and yet this passage points out to me that perhaps that is not true. Total commitment looks very different from modern American Christianity, I'm pretty sure. Many times through the years I have been commended for all I've "given up" to follow the Lord's leading. Sometimes, I've even whined to God about the things I've "given up". In fact, I have really not given up anything for the cause of Christ.
As I look at scripture, I find that often God called His messengers to do much more distasteful things than just walking around naked for a while. And while it is my hope that God never calls me to do something that "crazy", my prayer is that if He does, I will be obedient.
It isn't pretty, but it's... Just a thought...
Have you ever done anything hard for God? When you think about "an obedient servant of the Lord," what comes to mind? I think of missionaries - those God has called to leave their homes and families to go live in a foreign country. I think of friends of mine who grew up in missionary boarding schools while their parents served the Lord in dangerous and remote areas.
Last week, I saw a car that was painted all over with Bible verses and warnings to repent and turn to God. I think there was even an extra sign attached to the roof to make room for more pronouncements. When I saw that car, I admit my reaction was to think it was probably driven by some odd, but well-intentioned person who was probably "not quite right in the head". In my mind, I just don't really think that's the most effective way to witness to people. But as I read scripture, I have to admit that what's "in my mind" is not always accurate.
As I was reading in Isaiah this morning, he's in the midst of making pronouncements on God's plans for judging the nations. He is boldly proclaiming the words God has given him of impending doom and destruction. And then God tells him to take off his clothes and sandals and walk around naked and barefoot. My first thought is that this is a very different picture of God than what most American churches are presenting. And, though I've read this passage before, still I'm thinking, "That's just crazy!" But then, I continue reading and see that not only was Isaiah's response immediate obedience - it was continual obedience. The Bible says that Isaiah walked around barefoot and naked for THREE YEARS! So then my next thought is, "WOW!" Isaiah must have had an incredible confidence in the Lord. And then I began to ask myself what I would have done...
See, when I picture an old guy (I don't know how old Isaiah was at the time, actually) walking around naked, my first thought is that he's got to be some kind of a pervert. If he's not a prevert, then he must be completely insane. But this old guy walking around naked is neither. He is OBEDIENT!
If I'm honest, I don't think I would have done it. And that concerns me. I like to think of myself as being totally committed to following God, and yet this passage points out to me that perhaps that is not true. Total commitment looks very different from modern American Christianity, I'm pretty sure. Many times through the years I have been commended for all I've "given up" to follow the Lord's leading. Sometimes, I've even whined to God about the things I've "given up". In fact, I have really not given up anything for the cause of Christ.
As I look at scripture, I find that often God called His messengers to do much more distasteful things than just walking around naked for a while. And while it is my hope that God never calls me to do something that "crazy", my prayer is that if He does, I will be obedient.
It isn't pretty, but it's... Just a thought...
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
What God Calls Evil
But he was an evil king, for he did not seek the LORD with all his heart. 2 Chronicles 12:14
As I read the stories of the kings in the Old Testament, I am often amazed at how irresponsibly these men behaved. Reading the accounts of David and his descendants, I am saddened at how often these God-appointed leaders rejected the very One who placed them in their positions of authority.
David, whom the Bible describes as "a man after God's own heart" was adulterous, a disconnected father whose sons rebelled in response to his lack of involvement in their lives. David's son Solomon took the throne next, and is known as the wisest man who ever lived. And yet we find that for all his wisdom, Solomon couldn't follow the Lord's simple instructions NOT to intermarry with foreign women, and so he fell into idolatry.
Now Solomon's son, Rehoboam has come on the scene, and in his arrogance he rejects the counsel of experienced advisors. As a result, ten of the tribes of Israel reject him as their king, and the nation of Israel is divided. Ultimately, due to Rehoboam's poor leadership, the kingdom of Judah is attacked by the king of Egypt. But the Bible says in verse 12 that, "Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the LORD's anger was turned aside, and he did not destroy him completely. And there was still goodness in the land of Judah." When I read this, I think this shows a change of heart in Rehoboam, but then I come to verse 14, and God declares him "evil".
What is sobering in this story is the reason the Bible says he was evil. For all of his irresponsibility and poor leadership, this king is recorded as humbling himself and repenting. The Bible doesn't tell us that he married a bunch of foreign women and fell into idolatry like his father did. The Bible doesn't give account of his falling into adultery and murder like his grandfather did. And yet, Rehoboam is the one identified as an evil king!
The scripture says, "he was an evil king, for he did not seek the LORD with all his heart." As I read this, I can't help but feel a little concerned about my own spiritual condition. I love the Lord, I would say with all my heart, but I know that there are times when my actions indicate otherwise. All too often, I get caught up in the cares of this world. There are days when I get up and immediately get caught up in the busy-ness of life on earth without taking the time to seek the face of God through prayer and time in His Word. Sometimes, I just simply hold back, whether out of fear or selfishness or misplaced priorities...
Rehoboam was considerd EVIL because he did not seek the Lord with all of his heart. I do not want this to be said of me! I do not want to be remembered by God as one who was evil.
As I look at these accounts of the kings, it would seem that God looks at things a bit differently than we do. It was not David's actions that made him "a man after God's own heart." It was not Solomon's actions that made him a wise king, loved by God. And it was not Rehoboam's actions that made him an evil king. As God told Samuel the prophet at the beginning of this dynasty, "the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)
It is your heart God is most concerned with. When He has our hearts, ultimately, He can bring our actions into alignment with His Word. If He does not have our hearts, we will be prone to evil...
Does God have your heart today?
... Just a thought...
As I read the stories of the kings in the Old Testament, I am often amazed at how irresponsibly these men behaved. Reading the accounts of David and his descendants, I am saddened at how often these God-appointed leaders rejected the very One who placed them in their positions of authority.
David, whom the Bible describes as "a man after God's own heart" was adulterous, a disconnected father whose sons rebelled in response to his lack of involvement in their lives. David's son Solomon took the throne next, and is known as the wisest man who ever lived. And yet we find that for all his wisdom, Solomon couldn't follow the Lord's simple instructions NOT to intermarry with foreign women, and so he fell into idolatry.
Now Solomon's son, Rehoboam has come on the scene, and in his arrogance he rejects the counsel of experienced advisors. As a result, ten of the tribes of Israel reject him as their king, and the nation of Israel is divided. Ultimately, due to Rehoboam's poor leadership, the kingdom of Judah is attacked by the king of Egypt. But the Bible says in verse 12 that, "Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the LORD's anger was turned aside, and he did not destroy him completely. And there was still goodness in the land of Judah." When I read this, I think this shows a change of heart in Rehoboam, but then I come to verse 14, and God declares him "evil".
What is sobering in this story is the reason the Bible says he was evil. For all of his irresponsibility and poor leadership, this king is recorded as humbling himself and repenting. The Bible doesn't tell us that he married a bunch of foreign women and fell into idolatry like his father did. The Bible doesn't give account of his falling into adultery and murder like his grandfather did. And yet, Rehoboam is the one identified as an evil king!
The scripture says, "he was an evil king, for he did not seek the LORD with all his heart." As I read this, I can't help but feel a little concerned about my own spiritual condition. I love the Lord, I would say with all my heart, but I know that there are times when my actions indicate otherwise. All too often, I get caught up in the cares of this world. There are days when I get up and immediately get caught up in the busy-ness of life on earth without taking the time to seek the face of God through prayer and time in His Word. Sometimes, I just simply hold back, whether out of fear or selfishness or misplaced priorities...
Rehoboam was considerd EVIL because he did not seek the Lord with all of his heart. I do not want this to be said of me! I do not want to be remembered by God as one who was evil.
As I look at these accounts of the kings, it would seem that God looks at things a bit differently than we do. It was not David's actions that made him "a man after God's own heart." It was not Solomon's actions that made him a wise king, loved by God. And it was not Rehoboam's actions that made him an evil king. As God told Samuel the prophet at the beginning of this dynasty, "the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)
It is your heart God is most concerned with. When He has our hearts, ultimately, He can bring our actions into alignment with His Word. If He does not have our hearts, we will be prone to evil...
Does God have your heart today?
... Just a thought...
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
To Suffer Loss
Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Matthew 6:26
I have been an observer in a heart-breaking drama this week. Please bear with me as I attempt to sort through this matter...
While setting up for a VBS/KidzKrusade on Sunday, a nasty thunderstorm blew through. After the rains and wind had subsided, one little robin family had suffered great loss. On the sidewalk beside our bus lay two tiny newly hatched robins and the remains of at least two other eggs. One of the babies lay dead on the cement; the other was badly injured, but still alive. From a distance away, the mother bird watched as we surveyed the situation. We looked up into the tree to see if it might be possible to return the surviving baby to its nest, but the nest was dangling sideways from a branch of the tree. Realizing that there was nothing we could do, we carefully moved the injured bird from the sidewalk to a soft patch of grass beneath the tree. We thought perhaps the mother might find a way to protect and comfort her little one. Sadly, another storm came through a few minutes later, sending what remained of the nest crashing to the sidewalk. When we headed out for the final time that evening, we stopped to check on the little survivor, only to find that ants had overtaken it and killed it.
A few tears were shed as we observed this little tragedy played out before our eyes that day. My heart went out to that little mama who, in a matter of a few minutes, lost everything. And though I know that birds are not emotional or spiritual beings who experience loss as we do, I couldn't help but grieve this great loss on behalf of the mother robin. I continued to think of her throughout the evening and on into the next day. When we arrived at the church on Monday afternoon, the fallen nest still remained on the sidewalk, a sad reminder of the previous day's tragic turn of events.
The most heart-breaking moment, though, came Tuesday evening. A few yards from the fallen nest sat a little robin, fluttering about, chattering a mournful little song. She seemed so lost! Just two days earlier, her little life had great joy and purpose - new little hatchlings greeting the world, needing her constant care and attention. But now, this little mother seemed unable to figure out what to do with herself. With no babies to care for and no nest to go home to, she seemed to have lost her purpose.
I never have been very good at accepting the hard truths of nature. I HATE to watch the documentaries where the cheetah actually catches the poor little rabbit for a meal. I still cry when I watch The Lion King and Mufasa is trampled by the wildebeests. So you can imagine, the Robin Family Saga will not soon be forgotten.
As I have thought about how sad this whole incident made me feel, I was reminded that I was not the only one impacted by this loss. Even this seemingly insignificant incident did not go unnoticed by our heavenly Father who feeds and cares even for the birds. A little part of me wondered why He didn't choose to save this little robin family. He could have...
And I was reminded that His ways are not our ways! Tragedy is a part of life. It is unpleasant, but it is inevitable. It is the "in your face" evidence of our sin-stricken world. It simply cannot be avoided.
I learned today of a human mom who lost her baby, and my heart aches even more deeply than before. Life is hard. There is simply no getting around it. But I am reminded that even in the difficult times, we have a God who cares. Though He may not reverse all the tragedies of life or insulate us from the painful consequences of life in a sin-ridden world, He will never leave us to face the difficult times alone. It is often in these deeply sorrowful times that we can learn to know Him as the "God of all comfort".
Whatever loss may have come your way recently, I want to encourage you with this incredible knowledge that the God who cares for the birds and the flowers, cares even more deeply for you. He will not leave you to face difficult days alone.
...Just a thought...
I have been an observer in a heart-breaking drama this week. Please bear with me as I attempt to sort through this matter...
While setting up for a VBS/KidzKrusade on Sunday, a nasty thunderstorm blew through. After the rains and wind had subsided, one little robin family had suffered great loss. On the sidewalk beside our bus lay two tiny newly hatched robins and the remains of at least two other eggs. One of the babies lay dead on the cement; the other was badly injured, but still alive. From a distance away, the mother bird watched as we surveyed the situation. We looked up into the tree to see if it might be possible to return the surviving baby to its nest, but the nest was dangling sideways from a branch of the tree. Realizing that there was nothing we could do, we carefully moved the injured bird from the sidewalk to a soft patch of grass beneath the tree. We thought perhaps the mother might find a way to protect and comfort her little one. Sadly, another storm came through a few minutes later, sending what remained of the nest crashing to the sidewalk. When we headed out for the final time that evening, we stopped to check on the little survivor, only to find that ants had overtaken it and killed it.
A few tears were shed as we observed this little tragedy played out before our eyes that day. My heart went out to that little mama who, in a matter of a few minutes, lost everything. And though I know that birds are not emotional or spiritual beings who experience loss as we do, I couldn't help but grieve this great loss on behalf of the mother robin. I continued to think of her throughout the evening and on into the next day. When we arrived at the church on Monday afternoon, the fallen nest still remained on the sidewalk, a sad reminder of the previous day's tragic turn of events.
The most heart-breaking moment, though, came Tuesday evening. A few yards from the fallen nest sat a little robin, fluttering about, chattering a mournful little song. She seemed so lost! Just two days earlier, her little life had great joy and purpose - new little hatchlings greeting the world, needing her constant care and attention. But now, this little mother seemed unable to figure out what to do with herself. With no babies to care for and no nest to go home to, she seemed to have lost her purpose.
I never have been very good at accepting the hard truths of nature. I HATE to watch the documentaries where the cheetah actually catches the poor little rabbit for a meal. I still cry when I watch The Lion King and Mufasa is trampled by the wildebeests. So you can imagine, the Robin Family Saga will not soon be forgotten.
As I have thought about how sad this whole incident made me feel, I was reminded that I was not the only one impacted by this loss. Even this seemingly insignificant incident did not go unnoticed by our heavenly Father who feeds and cares even for the birds. A little part of me wondered why He didn't choose to save this little robin family. He could have...
And I was reminded that His ways are not our ways! Tragedy is a part of life. It is unpleasant, but it is inevitable. It is the "in your face" evidence of our sin-stricken world. It simply cannot be avoided.
I learned today of a human mom who lost her baby, and my heart aches even more deeply than before. Life is hard. There is simply no getting around it. But I am reminded that even in the difficult times, we have a God who cares. Though He may not reverse all the tragedies of life or insulate us from the painful consequences of life in a sin-ridden world, He will never leave us to face the difficult times alone. It is often in these deeply sorrowful times that we can learn to know Him as the "God of all comfort".
Whatever loss may have come your way recently, I want to encourage you with this incredible knowledge that the God who cares for the birds and the flowers, cares even more deeply for you. He will not leave you to face difficult days alone.
...Just a thought...
Friday, April 1, 2011
Uninspired...
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Hebrews 12:12 You may have noticed, I've been feeling rather uninspired lately. Nearly a month since my last post here... It's just that kind of season in my life. I find myself busy - almost ridiculously so - but as I look back over the days and weeks, I realize that for all that busy-ness, I have accomplished little. Which leaves me frustrated... and a bit more uninspired! It's hard to describe... and even harder to explain. Songs and cliches come to mind... And I am reminded of what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:7 - (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) I find it interesting that this verse appears with a smiley at the end. I don't know if it appears that way in the actual KJV, but this is how it came up on the Scripture look-up I used. And it seems very fitting. In these days of going through the motions, just putting one foot in front of the other without a clear destination in sight, a little smile of encouragement means a lot. The real challenge is to not lose focus as I wander in the wilderness. I'd really like NOT to spend forty years wandering! So I keep myself in the Word, sustained by manna, even as I wait on the milk and honey of the Promised Land. Maybe this seems a little familiar to you. If you're feeling a little uninspired today, I empathize with you. It's definitely not my favorite place to be, but it is encouraging to know that I am not alone. And what feels "uninspired" may actually be some of the most inspired moments of life - the nitty-gritty moments of walking simply by faith and not by sight. It doesn't really feel like much, but after all, it's ... just a thought...
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
About His Father's Business
And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49
His parents were frantic! They had lost their twelve year old son - in the city! How were they going to explain to God that they had taken the Savior of the world to the city and LOST HIM!?!?
But Jesus wasn't lost. He was exactly where He was supposed to be - about His Father's business.
I've been struggling with this concept a bit this week. I didn't lose my son. I know where he is: he is in a foreign country far away from home without me! And he's been gone a whole week already, and he won't be back for another week!
This is a very strange turn of events for our family. We do EVERYTHING together. If you count from the outside walls and include the driver's area and engine compartment, we live in a 320 square foot house! You could say that we are (literally) a very close family... Four people, two dogs, maybe 280 square feet of actual living space... That's pretty close! So we are keenly aware when someone is missing. Not that it happens very often. I think we're all "homebodies" at heart - that's why we have to take the "house" with us everywhere we go!
So, when we began to talk about the possibilities of sending my seventeen year old son to Brazil alone, that was just a hard concept to grasp. He's never really gone anywhere alone. ...Maybe to a friend's house overnight when he was younger... across the field to a cabin at camp, but only when we were staying on the same property... It just hasn't been part of our experience to be apart from one another.
But the funny thing is, we're making it! I'm not really worried (most of the time!). When I was tempted to go down that road of worry the other day, the Lord reminded me that He had to let His Son go away for a while. And because He did, my life, and many others, have been impacted for eternity. He pointed me to the account of Jesus's visit to the temple in Luke 2, and reassured me with the matter-of-fact answer that Jesus gave to his worried parents: "I must be about my Father's business."
Nate will be back in a week, and I can't wait to see him! I want to hear all about what the Lord has done in him and through him! Though these have been difficult days for us, they have been days of wonder and excitement for him, doing what the Lord has called him to do.
So what's my son up to these days? He's about his Father's business. Can't argue with that!
...Just a thought...
His parents were frantic! They had lost their twelve year old son - in the city! How were they going to explain to God that they had taken the Savior of the world to the city and LOST HIM!?!?
But Jesus wasn't lost. He was exactly where He was supposed to be - about His Father's business.
I've been struggling with this concept a bit this week. I didn't lose my son. I know where he is: he is in a foreign country far away from home without me! And he's been gone a whole week already, and he won't be back for another week!
This is a very strange turn of events for our family. We do EVERYTHING together. If you count from the outside walls and include the driver's area and engine compartment, we live in a 320 square foot house! You could say that we are (literally) a very close family... Four people, two dogs, maybe 280 square feet of actual living space... That's pretty close! So we are keenly aware when someone is missing. Not that it happens very often. I think we're all "homebodies" at heart - that's why we have to take the "house" with us everywhere we go!
So, when we began to talk about the possibilities of sending my seventeen year old son to Brazil alone, that was just a hard concept to grasp. He's never really gone anywhere alone. ...Maybe to a friend's house overnight when he was younger... across the field to a cabin at camp, but only when we were staying on the same property... It just hasn't been part of our experience to be apart from one another.
But the funny thing is, we're making it! I'm not really worried (most of the time!). When I was tempted to go down that road of worry the other day, the Lord reminded me that He had to let His Son go away for a while. And because He did, my life, and many others, have been impacted for eternity. He pointed me to the account of Jesus's visit to the temple in Luke 2, and reassured me with the matter-of-fact answer that Jesus gave to his worried parents: "I must be about my Father's business."
Nate will be back in a week, and I can't wait to see him! I want to hear all about what the Lord has done in him and through him! Though these have been difficult days for us, they have been days of wonder and excitement for him, doing what the Lord has called him to do.
So what's my son up to these days? He's about his Father's business. Can't argue with that!
...Just a thought...
Friday, February 11, 2011
New Perspective on Waiting
When the people saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron. “Come on,” they said, “make us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.” Exodus 32:1
This is the beginning of a story that has always puzzled me. I have never been able to fathom what would entice God's people to turn from him so quickly, or why they would ask Aaron to make them an idol that they could worship. I have always had sort of a "righteous indignation" about this whole episode in the history of Israel.
As I have been studying through the story of the Exodus, I have become even more puzzled by the behavior of the children of Israel than ever. As I have read how the Lord made allowances for the people's faithlessness, how they continually tested His patience, how they grumbled and complained, and whined... I haven't really been able to muster up much sympathy for them. And as I came to the story of the golden calf, and I looked at Aaron's behavior there, I admit, I was almost angry at Aaron! I mean, was he really that stupid? The people had heard the actual voice of God. Aaron had actually been up on the lower part of the mountain for an up close, personal encounter with the Lord (Exodus 24:10-11)! But while God was giving Moses instructions about how he was to ordain Aaron for an important role in ministry, Aaron was becoming the people's leader in idol worship.
But today, I am looking at that account again, and I am beginning to muster a little compassion for Aaron and the people. I think maybe I am beginning to understand a little how it may have been for the children of Israel.
They are waiting. After a lifetime of slavery and oppression, God, with many great signs and wonders, delivered them from oppression. He went ahead of them, showing them the way, taking them on a journey to "the Promised Land". But they're not in the Promised Land yet. They can't see it. They know God is powerful, but they're sitting out in the wilderness now... just waiting.
The Bible says that Moses was up on the mountain for forty days and forty nights. I've never thought of that as being a very long time before... But that's nearly six weeks! That was entire grading period when I was in school! A lot can happen in six weeks!
And so today, I look back at this story with new understanding. I've been waiting on God lately. I thought He was taking me to the Promised Land, and it seems He has taken me to the wilderness. I was sure that I heard His voice. It was clear. There were no doubts. But an interesting thing happens over time... as you sit at the base of the mountain, just waiting to see what will happen next... You begin to look around. You start to second-guess yourself. Was it REALLY the voice of God you heard? Has all of this been some kind of mistake? How long can I really sit here waiting? Don't I need to get up and get busy DOING something? I mean, if God's not ready to do something here, maybe I need to go somewhere else and look for Him...
Don't worry! I'm not about to go off and build myself a golden calf! But I am understanding better what prompted the children of Israel to do such a thing. I can read the rest of their story and see that God did eventually take them to the Promised Land. He always did have their best interest at heart. They would pay the price for their disobedience, but never did God forsake them. He walked with them. He waited with them. He showed them the way.
Lord, as I am waiting, help me to wait in confidence. Keep me from doing something stupid, Lord! Help me to rest in what I know, and not try to get ahead of You or try to make things happen on my own. I want to make this journey YOUR way!
If you find yourself waiting today, be encouraged. God has not forsaken you. Don't you give up on Him!
...Just a thought...
This is the beginning of a story that has always puzzled me. I have never been able to fathom what would entice God's people to turn from him so quickly, or why they would ask Aaron to make them an idol that they could worship. I have always had sort of a "righteous indignation" about this whole episode in the history of Israel.
As I have been studying through the story of the Exodus, I have become even more puzzled by the behavior of the children of Israel than ever. As I have read how the Lord made allowances for the people's faithlessness, how they continually tested His patience, how they grumbled and complained, and whined... I haven't really been able to muster up much sympathy for them. And as I came to the story of the golden calf, and I looked at Aaron's behavior there, I admit, I was almost angry at Aaron! I mean, was he really that stupid? The people had heard the actual voice of God. Aaron had actually been up on the lower part of the mountain for an up close, personal encounter with the Lord (Exodus 24:10-11)! But while God was giving Moses instructions about how he was to ordain Aaron for an important role in ministry, Aaron was becoming the people's leader in idol worship.
But today, I am looking at that account again, and I am beginning to muster a little compassion for Aaron and the people. I think maybe I am beginning to understand a little how it may have been for the children of Israel.
They are waiting. After a lifetime of slavery and oppression, God, with many great signs and wonders, delivered them from oppression. He went ahead of them, showing them the way, taking them on a journey to "the Promised Land". But they're not in the Promised Land yet. They can't see it. They know God is powerful, but they're sitting out in the wilderness now... just waiting.
The Bible says that Moses was up on the mountain for forty days and forty nights. I've never thought of that as being a very long time before... But that's nearly six weeks! That was entire grading period when I was in school! A lot can happen in six weeks!
And so today, I look back at this story with new understanding. I've been waiting on God lately. I thought He was taking me to the Promised Land, and it seems He has taken me to the wilderness. I was sure that I heard His voice. It was clear. There were no doubts. But an interesting thing happens over time... as you sit at the base of the mountain, just waiting to see what will happen next... You begin to look around. You start to second-guess yourself. Was it REALLY the voice of God you heard? Has all of this been some kind of mistake? How long can I really sit here waiting? Don't I need to get up and get busy DOING something? I mean, if God's not ready to do something here, maybe I need to go somewhere else and look for Him...
Don't worry! I'm not about to go off and build myself a golden calf! But I am understanding better what prompted the children of Israel to do such a thing. I can read the rest of their story and see that God did eventually take them to the Promised Land. He always did have their best interest at heart. They would pay the price for their disobedience, but never did God forsake them. He walked with them. He waited with them. He showed them the way.
Lord, as I am waiting, help me to wait in confidence. Keep me from doing something stupid, Lord! Help me to rest in what I know, and not try to get ahead of You or try to make things happen on my own. I want to make this journey YOUR way!
If you find yourself waiting today, be encouraged. God has not forsaken you. Don't you give up on Him!
...Just a thought...
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