I'm reading a book entitled " The Courage to be Protestant" by David Wells. I don't really like the title, because it really is about the courage to be Christian, not just those of us who have the title of being protestant. But that is the title nonetheless. It has to do with the "post-modern" world in which we live and to some degree the "emerging church" movement today. Now I know that just quoting from a book and not presenting personal thoughts and opinions might not be very interesting to many people, but this is just too good. Also, there are readers of this blog who may not believe in God and/or Jesus the Christ. I hope you will still read on.
God is grace and mercy. That is absolutely true and thankfully he is. But in our conversations and discussions on grace and mercy, we so often forget that he is also justice and judgment and that it is "sin" in the world that murdered Jesus the Christ, God's Son, on the cross. It was for "sin" in the world that Jesus the Christ came to earth and died. His sacrifice alone was an act of grace and mercy, because sin separates the world from God. Jesus the Christ's death and resurrection gives us the opportunity to be restored to God one person at a time.
Our belief in and acceptance of Jesus the Christ's sacrifice for us and our repentance of our sin, restores each believing person to God. Through Jesus the Christ's death and resurrection, God no longer holds believers' sin against us. For the believer this is a one time event, saved and restored for eternity. This is all about salvation. But sadly, even after we believe it, accept it and repent of our sin, we still commit sins. It takes a lifetime for the Spirit of God to transform our old habits and desires that prevent us from being more like God, to being those of God. For the believer this is all about transformation, not salvation. It is a journey of struggle and delight all mixed together.
I want to quote here from "The Courage to be Protestant" and let you just take it in. In the chapter entitled "God" there is a sub-section on sin. I believe it is the best explanation of sin I have ever read. Open your heart and mind. Have the courage to examine yourself and I'm positive the Spirit of God will speak to you. The quote starts in the next paragraph and continues to the end of this post.
David Wells says: "Sin, biblically speaking, is not only the absence of good. It also entails our active opposition to God. It is, then, the defiance of his authority, the rejection of his truth, the challenge to his sovereignty in which we set ourselves up in life to live the way we want to live. It is the way we wrench ourselves free from obedience to him, cut ourselves off from his grasp, and refuse to let him be God. It is therefore all the ways we live life on our own terms, to our own ends, with accountability to no one but ourselves.
Sin is described as missing the target (Romans 3:9; 7:5), falling short of a standard, or transgressing boundaries (Romans 2:23; 5:20; Galatians 3:19). [For those who do not know, these references are in the Bible.] However, the target missed, the path abandoned, the authority defied, the law transgressed are in each and every case God's. Sin is all about taking issue with God, defying him, refusing to submit to him, and displacing him from the center of existence. We are now disaffected with his rule, resent his claims on our lives, are hostile to his truth in the biblical Word, and are determined to pursue our own values, goals, and pleasures in defiance of what he has said.
At the heart of this sin that holds us captive is pride. The essence of pride is finding in the self what in fact can be found only in God.
We imagine that within ourselves we have power enough, wisdom enough, and strength enough to live in security, in the fullness of happiness, as we want to live, amidst all the conflicts and opportunities of life. Very finite preoccupations are therefore substituted for those that are eternal, and we then confidently take the place God once had. We therefore, redefine reality...This is the "autonomous self."
...once the self has established itself at the center of reality, its own judgments, no matter how flawed, are seen as ultimate and unchallengeable.
"There are professors who have left faculty meetings more enlightened by what they said than by what they heard!" (Cornelius Plantinga, from Not the Way It's Supposed to Be)
This same pride lies beneath so many other sins like indifference to others, injustice, and the many ways, some cruel and brutal, in which we live as if no one else counted for anything.
...sin is what has dissolved the center that holds all of life together, robbing it of its meaning.
...the orientation of our nature from birth, leads us inexorably to replace God with our own selves, to substitute our interests for his, and to redefine life around its new substitute center in ourselves." [End Quote]
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Shape Your Worries Into Prayers
This came from my prayer journal I wrote on Monday, June 9, 2008.
Father, my spirit is troubled this morning. Troubled about not hearing from a company that, after several intense interviews, told me they wanted to retain me as a contracted consultant. Most troubling to me is that I don't have any word from You on what else is out there for me for an income. Last evening I read in The Outlook [Southeast Christian's newspaper] about reducing stress and anxiety and to stop worrying. Philippians 4:6 was given as a reference.
The Message says:
"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
Father, there are several observation I made here:
1) Both fretting and worrying and praying take action. What Paul is saying is replace our negative action with positive action.
2) Fretting and worrying are both inward-self-directed just staying inside myself. Praying is reaching out, breaking out of myself, God directed.
3) Worries are "what ifs." Paul says to "shape" our worries into prayers. He doesn't deny we have issues. He also says "let petitions and praise shape our worries." We should take those issues for which we are concerned, and rightly so, and while we are talking to You, Father, form those worries. In other words, acknowledge them and keep on talking to You. Get out of myself, stop trying to figure things out, going round and round in my head. Through the words spoken to You form the worries into, and intertwined with, my requests of You and praising You. Where is the focus? Right on You. Not on me or my issues. There's more here, I believe, than I see right now. But I do see that this image of shaping my worries through and by petitions and praise is very important.
4) I have to talk to You about my concerns. Paul says "...letting God know your concerns." And it is done through my talking to You with my petitions and praise.
5) I will get a direct response inside my spirit, mind and heart. It will happen quickly. There will be no announcing. I will just experience it, and it will be real! There will be "peace." The Message says "...a sense of God's wholeness." All under Your control. Not just focused on one issue in my life and the world around me. You touch all. You take a holistic approach to my life. You don't trade one for another. You direct and work on my whole life and how it fits into and impacts all those around me. With that kind of leading and nurturing, I can rest assured and be at peace.
6) Not that I am to just "stop worrying." That will not do it. Paul says I replace worry with Christ. Christ displaces. Really, that's different. For You see I was thinking, that I had to put Christ in my life instead of worry. But really what is said is: While I am petitioning and praising You Father, Christ Himself will move in and displace the worry. I need to focus on praising, letting You know my concerns. Focus on my relationship with You, Father, and Christ will do the rest. I'm not responsible for putting Christ in my mind instead of worry. He will do that. Also, its important to understand that Paul lays it out as to Where and What position this worry has in my life. Who should be there instead of worry. And how quickly the Who, Christ, moves in, wanting to be there, fighting to be there. The "center" of my life.
Thank you Father for this Word from You.
I also happened upon Acts 27 as I was turning to Philippians 4:6 and stopped to read it. There, I became aware and named Paul's experience in the shipwreck as a metaphor of life. It was encouraging to read it. It helped me see life for what it is. Stay the course. Listen. Throw off those things that will weigh us down. Life will shipwreck us, but we will reach shore (heaven), without a scratch. Thank You, Father!
Father, my spirit is troubled this morning. Troubled about not hearing from a company that, after several intense interviews, told me they wanted to retain me as a contracted consultant. Most troubling to me is that I don't have any word from You on what else is out there for me for an income. Last evening I read in The Outlook [Southeast Christian's newspaper] about reducing stress and anxiety and to stop worrying. Philippians 4:6 was given as a reference.
The Message says:
"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
Father, there are several observation I made here:
1) Both fretting and worrying and praying take action. What Paul is saying is replace our negative action with positive action.
2) Fretting and worrying are both inward-self-directed just staying inside myself. Praying is reaching out, breaking out of myself, God directed.
3) Worries are "what ifs." Paul says to "shape" our worries into prayers. He doesn't deny we have issues. He also says "let petitions and praise shape our worries." We should take those issues for which we are concerned, and rightly so, and while we are talking to You, Father, form those worries. In other words, acknowledge them and keep on talking to You. Get out of myself, stop trying to figure things out, going round and round in my head. Through the words spoken to You form the worries into, and intertwined with, my requests of You and praising You. Where is the focus? Right on You. Not on me or my issues. There's more here, I believe, than I see right now. But I do see that this image of shaping my worries through and by petitions and praise is very important.
4) I have to talk to You about my concerns. Paul says "...letting God know your concerns." And it is done through my talking to You with my petitions and praise.
5) I will get a direct response inside my spirit, mind and heart. It will happen quickly. There will be no announcing. I will just experience it, and it will be real! There will be "peace." The Message says "...a sense of God's wholeness." All under Your control. Not just focused on one issue in my life and the world around me. You touch all. You take a holistic approach to my life. You don't trade one for another. You direct and work on my whole life and how it fits into and impacts all those around me. With that kind of leading and nurturing, I can rest assured and be at peace.
6) Not that I am to just "stop worrying." That will not do it. Paul says I replace worry with Christ. Christ displaces. Really, that's different. For You see I was thinking, that I had to put Christ in my life instead of worry. But really what is said is: While I am petitioning and praising You Father, Christ Himself will move in and displace the worry. I need to focus on praising, letting You know my concerns. Focus on my relationship with You, Father, and Christ will do the rest. I'm not responsible for putting Christ in my mind instead of worry. He will do that. Also, its important to understand that Paul lays it out as to Where and What position this worry has in my life. Who should be there instead of worry. And how quickly the Who, Christ, moves in, wanting to be there, fighting to be there. The "center" of my life.
Thank you Father for this Word from You.
I also happened upon Acts 27 as I was turning to Philippians 4:6 and stopped to read it. There, I became aware and named Paul's experience in the shipwreck as a metaphor of life. It was encouraging to read it. It helped me see life for what it is. Stay the course. Listen. Throw off those things that will weigh us down. Life will shipwreck us, but we will reach shore (heaven), without a scratch. Thank You, Father!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Deliriously Joyful
It's a great morning. I read seven of the Psalms of David this morning and was reminded of just how much I have for which to celebrate. Not just celebrate privately inside of me, but jump up and down, dance and sing, raise my hands kind of celebrate. I am keenly aware of just how much God has changed my innermost being and made me a new man. How He saved me, disciplined me, built my life from the ground up. When I was used and abandoned, my Father was there. It has taken years of healing, teaching, failures and successes, but He was always there. Today, today I am His and I am here. I stand tall because of Him. I lift my face to the sky because of Him. Without Him I'd be in the pit of hell with Satan. But my Father would not let up. He kept at me. I am so thankful I had the good sense to always reach out to Him. I don't know why. I truly don't. Why did I continue to do that and not others? It is a mystery to me. But I don't care. I did it and He blessed. There was a lot in the Psalms I read this morning that spoke to me, but I'm reminded of one particular one right now: "...He gets angry once in a while, but across a lifetime there is only love. The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter", Psalm 30:4.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Do We Need Plan B?
Most of us are programmed to create Plan B in our lives. If one thing doesn't work out, then always have another to go to, then another, and then another..... It feels secure and gives the appearance of practicality, being smart and thoughtful. But with God, Plan B often times gets in His way. He doesn't want us to have Plan B. He is Plan A and that's it. Trust him.
I'm really good at Plan B and so forth. I've prided myself in it. But I've also learned in my life that God is not pleased with me at all when I do this. Awhile back this was impressed on me during a particular time in my life.
I had left my company and was trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life. It was a difficult time for me. Financially, I was fearful of what was ahead. I had never been without employment before. The "security" of a regular paycheck with inherent "benefits" had always been there. Life was different and I wasn't sure how to handle it. I not only had my own issues to be concerned with, but also the pressure of how my wife was feeling and what she was going through weighed on me.
God was working on me. And what He wanted to get through to me was beginning to take effect. I knew this in numerous ways, but one really stood out. For the first time in a long time, I was very sensitive and open to God. My heart was softer. I could hear the Spirit. I could sense God's presence. I wasn't consumed with the pressures of the workplace and focusing on me all the time and what I could achieve.
This came to light one morning as I was reading through the Bible. I was in the great room in my "reading corner." It was about 8:30 in the morning. My wife had left for work and the house was very quiet. The windows and doors were open and I could hear the birds singing. It was overcast and humid, but pleasant in the coolness of the morning.
I was reading I Kings 19-20 about God's ordeal with Ahab and Ben Haddad. There were several attempts where God reached out to Ahab to work through him and give him victory, at seemingly overwhelming odds, and to show him that He is God. But Ahab didn't get it. I was reminded of how God did that in my life. And just like Ahab, so often I didn't get it.
The previous evening, my wife and I were sitting in the den and she asked if I had considered contacting recruiters to find me a job in case the one I was counting on didn't pan out. She said we needed Plan B. My response was no, because we didn't need Plan B. I believed that God was going to lead us to where He wanted and I was trusting that this new company was going to come through. This was not an easy topic for us. We were at different points in our lives then, and discussion of this was difficult.
So, when I read the passages in I Kings the next morning, I was reminded of our discussion the previous evening. My stand on not needing Plan B sounded silly to me the next morning. It sounded impractical. It sounded like I was procrastinating and not being wise. But something told me to trust in God, my Father. I believed this particular job I was pursuing was brought to me by God. I believed it would happen. I mean, God had already demonstrated I was on the right path by steering me away from investing myself and money in an internet marketing opportunity. That happened in an almost miraculous way for me. And now God was speaking to me through His Word in I Kings. This was confirmation to me. Do I have moments of fear and doubt? Absolutely! I had just read where Elijah did as well. But God was constantly with Elijah and Elijah just kept on going. God accomplished what He wanted to do because Elijah submitted, believed and trusted Him.
In my reading that morning in I Kings 20:13-15 the Bible told about the issue with Ahab. It said: "Just then a lone prophet approached Ahab king of Israel and said, 'God's word: Have you taken a good look at this mob? Well, look again--I'm turning it over to you this very day. And you'll know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that I am God.' Ahab said, 'Really? And who is going to make this happen?' God said, 'The young commandos of the regional chiefs. 'And who', said Ahab, 'will strike the first blow?' God said, 'You.' Ahab looked over the commandos of the regional chiefs; he counted 232. Then he assessed the available troops--7,000.'" The next sentence begins "At noon they set out..."
So, what struck me was that God told Ahab that He would give him victory, over great odds, and why He was doing it. But Ahab, unlike Elijah, began to question God and wanted to know how and what assurances he had. Ahab was relying on what the world's ways would be. He turned to assess his Plan B, the numbers of soldiers he had and their capabilities. God had already told Ahab that He was going to do it and why.
That is why I didn't believe I needed Plan B. God had shown me He was going to do it. But, if this one job I was counting on and believed that God had put in my path didn't come about, He would bring something else. Maybe, just maybe, He didn't plan on me continuing in the path I had always followed. Maybe, just maybe, He had different plans for me. Trust in God and believe. That is what I was learning. I didn't want to be like Ahab. I wanted to be like Elijah, even with all his warts, doubts, and human weaknesses. So, on that morning I told God that I was waiting.
A few months earlier, I had gotten away to Cumberland Falls by myself and stayed in a cabin in the woods. I was completely alone. I had my Bible, a Christian perspective book I was reading and a fiction novel. I spent four days reading, talking to God, writing in my journal and just focusing on God. And God spent those four days ripping me apart and talking to me. It was an incredible experience. Since then, I had become convinced that it had been a God ordained event. This had been evident to me in several ways. This came to mind that morning when I was reading. I believed that if I had not gone to Cumberland Falls, spent four days with God, had "Don't be afraid!" pressed firmly into my heart and mind, I would never had been prepared to walk out of the internet marketing meeting and say no, which brought me to where I was that morning. Give up the known for the unknown. I was convinced of it.
God, my Father did this. He changed me. He transformed me. He grew me. He made me a new man. I was overwhelmed with what was going on in my life.
Praise You Father, the God of all! Ruler of all! My Father!
I'm really good at Plan B and so forth. I've prided myself in it. But I've also learned in my life that God is not pleased with me at all when I do this. Awhile back this was impressed on me during a particular time in my life.
I had left my company and was trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life. It was a difficult time for me. Financially, I was fearful of what was ahead. I had never been without employment before. The "security" of a regular paycheck with inherent "benefits" had always been there. Life was different and I wasn't sure how to handle it. I not only had my own issues to be concerned with, but also the pressure of how my wife was feeling and what she was going through weighed on me.
God was working on me. And what He wanted to get through to me was beginning to take effect. I knew this in numerous ways, but one really stood out. For the first time in a long time, I was very sensitive and open to God. My heart was softer. I could hear the Spirit. I could sense God's presence. I wasn't consumed with the pressures of the workplace and focusing on me all the time and what I could achieve.
This came to light one morning as I was reading through the Bible. I was in the great room in my "reading corner." It was about 8:30 in the morning. My wife had left for work and the house was very quiet. The windows and doors were open and I could hear the birds singing. It was overcast and humid, but pleasant in the coolness of the morning.
I was reading I Kings 19-20 about God's ordeal with Ahab and Ben Haddad. There were several attempts where God reached out to Ahab to work through him and give him victory, at seemingly overwhelming odds, and to show him that He is God. But Ahab didn't get it. I was reminded of how God did that in my life. And just like Ahab, so often I didn't get it.
The previous evening, my wife and I were sitting in the den and she asked if I had considered contacting recruiters to find me a job in case the one I was counting on didn't pan out. She said we needed Plan B. My response was no, because we didn't need Plan B. I believed that God was going to lead us to where He wanted and I was trusting that this new company was going to come through. This was not an easy topic for us. We were at different points in our lives then, and discussion of this was difficult.
So, when I read the passages in I Kings the next morning, I was reminded of our discussion the previous evening. My stand on not needing Plan B sounded silly to me the next morning. It sounded impractical. It sounded like I was procrastinating and not being wise. But something told me to trust in God, my Father. I believed this particular job I was pursuing was brought to me by God. I believed it would happen. I mean, God had already demonstrated I was on the right path by steering me away from investing myself and money in an internet marketing opportunity. That happened in an almost miraculous way for me. And now God was speaking to me through His Word in I Kings. This was confirmation to me. Do I have moments of fear and doubt? Absolutely! I had just read where Elijah did as well. But God was constantly with Elijah and Elijah just kept on going. God accomplished what He wanted to do because Elijah submitted, believed and trusted Him.
In my reading that morning in I Kings 20:13-15 the Bible told about the issue with Ahab. It said: "Just then a lone prophet approached Ahab king of Israel and said, 'God's word: Have you taken a good look at this mob? Well, look again--I'm turning it over to you this very day. And you'll know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that I am God.' Ahab said, 'Really? And who is going to make this happen?' God said, 'The young commandos of the regional chiefs. 'And who', said Ahab, 'will strike the first blow?' God said, 'You.' Ahab looked over the commandos of the regional chiefs; he counted 232. Then he assessed the available troops--7,000.'" The next sentence begins "At noon they set out..."
So, what struck me was that God told Ahab that He would give him victory, over great odds, and why He was doing it. But Ahab, unlike Elijah, began to question God and wanted to know how and what assurances he had. Ahab was relying on what the world's ways would be. He turned to assess his Plan B, the numbers of soldiers he had and their capabilities. God had already told Ahab that He was going to do it and why.
That is why I didn't believe I needed Plan B. God had shown me He was going to do it. But, if this one job I was counting on and believed that God had put in my path didn't come about, He would bring something else. Maybe, just maybe, He didn't plan on me continuing in the path I had always followed. Maybe, just maybe, He had different plans for me. Trust in God and believe. That is what I was learning. I didn't want to be like Ahab. I wanted to be like Elijah, even with all his warts, doubts, and human weaknesses. So, on that morning I told God that I was waiting.
A few months earlier, I had gotten away to Cumberland Falls by myself and stayed in a cabin in the woods. I was completely alone. I had my Bible, a Christian perspective book I was reading and a fiction novel. I spent four days reading, talking to God, writing in my journal and just focusing on God. And God spent those four days ripping me apart and talking to me. It was an incredible experience. Since then, I had become convinced that it had been a God ordained event. This had been evident to me in several ways. This came to mind that morning when I was reading. I believed that if I had not gone to Cumberland Falls, spent four days with God, had "Don't be afraid!" pressed firmly into my heart and mind, I would never had been prepared to walk out of the internet marketing meeting and say no, which brought me to where I was that morning. Give up the known for the unknown. I was convinced of it.
God, my Father did this. He changed me. He transformed me. He grew me. He made me a new man. I was overwhelmed with what was going on in my life.
Praise You Father, the God of all! Ruler of all! My Father!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Thoughts on Elijah
A couple of summers ago it was a very intense time for me. So many things were up in the air and I didn't see any resolution to any of them, except in my very limited vision of what God could do. In my reading through the Bible I was in 1 Kings and the story of Elijah really caught my attention. As I continued reading, my thoughts focused on what Elijah might have been thinking and going through with God. I certainly was going through things with God. So, I began writing what the thoughts of Elijah might have been.
Now I understand that Elijah might have never had these thoughts. But you know he was human just like you and me and these just might have been going through his mind. It certainly helped me to see God's work in people when we really don't have a clue as to what He is doing and yet we are absolutely, directly the recipient of His workings.
Please read on and maybe God will speak to you where you are right now.
(What are written in italics are direct quotes from The Message passages in 1 Kings 16-18. My thoughts are indicated by RLO. What might have been Elijah's and the Widow's are indicated by ELIJAH and WIDOW.)
RLO: Father, I am overwhelmed and overjoyed this morning. I awoke very early and started to think about the impending end of the money I had set aside to live on. My emotions and fear began to follow. But Your Spirit spoke to me and reminded me "Don't be afraid. Don't be afraid." And I wasn't. The feelings of anxiety and fear left. I got up and started my reading in Your Word. I read 1 Kings 16-18. You spoke to me so greatly through this passage. It was about Elijah and his life at the beginning of his ministry with You. I'm going to try and tell here what You said to me.
We don't know what Elijah's life was like before he came on the scene in the Bible. But the environment and society in which he lived was horrible. Ahab, who was king at the time, was exceedingly evil and all of the population of Israel was affected in some way. So I can assume Elijah was really struggling trying to stay obedient to God and he knew of Ahab's ways and the kind of person he really was. In addition Ahab was greatly influenced by his wife Jezebel, who was also extremely evil and powerful. The Bible says:
"Ahab son of Omri did even more open evil before God than anyone yet--a new champion in evil!...It was under Ahab's rule that Hiel of Bethel...ritually sacrificed his first-born son...and his youngest son...That is exactly what Joshua son of Nun said would happen."
It was in this kind of environment and conditions in which Elijah lived. Life must have been very difficult and the world was against all that Elijah believed in. Going on the Bible says:
"And then this happened: Elijah the Tishbite...confronted Ahab; "As surely as God lives..."
God had had enough. So he sent Elijah to confront Ahab. I wonder what Elijah thought. "You want me to do what?" And then again, maybe he didn't wonder this. Maybe Elijah was desperate for God and just did it. Whichever way it was, the effect it had on Ahab was not pretty.
"God then told Elijah, "Get out of here, and fast...hide out...you can drink fresh water from the brook; I've ordered the ravens to feed you. Elijah obeyed God's orders."
Now I don't know how Elijah felt or what he thought, but what came to my mind was that he might have felt something like this:
ELIJAH: "OK, life was not perfect and goodness knows I'm not perfect, but all of a sudden my life has turned upside down. Not only are You asking me God to give up everything and do something completely crazy, like tell this evil king bad news, even when everyone around me would say I'm nuts, but I have to give up my home, all I've ever known, my family, and now I'm on the run for my life. Fear? I think I have something to be afraid of! Questions? Yeah! I have lots of questions. You'll take care of me? Come on! Be fed by ravens? But, I'm going to trust You with everything! I'll do as You say." Then the Bible goes on to say:
"And sure enough, ravens brought him his meals, both breakfast and supper, and he drank from the brook."
ELIJAH: "OK, so You did that Father. I see. But I still don't know why me, or why I'm doing this. So what? I do know that because of what You told me to tell Ahab I'm going to suffer greatly. Why do I deserve this? I've been faithful to You against all kinds of odds, persecutions, bad situations, powerful influences, why?" Then Father, Your Word says:
"Eventually the brook dried up because of the drought. Then God spoke to him: Get up and go...and live there. I've instructed a woman who lives there, a widow, to feed you."
ELIJAH: "Oh great, I'm sitting here in this wilderness alone, by a brook being fed by ravens. While it might not be ideal, I at least have food and water. But I see little by little each day the water starting to dry up and I start worrying. What's going to happen when it's gone? How long are the ravens going to keep this up? I've been out here a long time. Where are You God? What's going to happen to me? I did what You said and now look. I'm lonely. The water's drying up and I'm going to die, for what? Nothing has really changed. The world is still evil. But I hear You. You told me to get up and go. Won't that be dangerous? Ahab is still trying to kill me. That hasn't changed. Maybe if I stay here, I can outlast the drought. Why can't You use Your power to just keep the water flowing for me, even during the drought. You can do that! Why do I have to go? And You say You've spoken to a widow to feed me? What if it turns out just like this, good for a while, but then I'm in trouble again. How do I know You talked to a widow? Who is she anyway? How will I find her? I'm putting my life into this unknown person. She doesn't know me. At least I know what I have here. You've done what You said, but even with that, now the water's drying up." But the Bible says:
"So he got up and went."
RLO: I guess I have to trust and obey just like that. Elijah did. What he did was against what might be considered realistic, pragmatic or conventional wisdom. So when he got to his destination, I think Elijah would have expected this widow to be wealthy enough and be hospitable to welcome him, because God had already given her the word. But no, that's not what happened at all. The Bible says that when Elijah asked for a little jug of water because he was thirsty and something to eat, her response was:
"I swear, as surely as God lives, I don't have so much as a biscuit...you found me scratching together just enough firewood to make a last meal for my son and me. After we eat it, we'll die."
ELIJAH: "What? I thought You said "I've instructed a woman who lives there, a widow to feed you." Do I have the wrong widow? I've got to take control and look for the one You talked to. Why couldn't You have told me which widow it was? You could have been a little more specific in Your directions on how to find her. Now what do I do? I'm hungry, thirsty and really, really tired. This is ridiculous. Why can't You make things easier? This not worth it. Where is all this going? Why am I doing this? And after leaving a place where I was safe. You protected me. I had water and food. I trusted You and traveled all this way. Now I have nothing. You let me down and I don't know where to turn except for me to start making my own decisions."
RLO: But Elijah didn't think like that. Instead it didn't matter if this widow was the "right one." He depended on God's power instead. It wasn't the situation or the way Elijah thought God would work things out. No, but he trusted God and went on. Elijah said to the widow:
"Don't worry about a thing. Go ahead and do what you've said. But first make a small biscuit for me and bring it back here...This is the word of the God of Israel: "The jar of flour will not run out and the bottle of oil will not become empty before God sends rain on the land and ends this drought.""
RLO: Elijah didn't ask for a huge meal. He was obviously hungry. But he just asked for a little bit. God provided. But Elijah also showed his love and compassion for the widow and the son, when he could so easily thought only of himself, his predicament, thwarted expectations, disappointment and fear of the future. He still didn't know what God was doing with him, where he was going and why. He just knew and obeyed one-step-at-a-time and each step wasn't always pretty.
The story goes on in the Bible, but the emphasis now shifts to the widow. So she did what Elijah told her to do. For some reason she trusted him (and God) and does what is not the "smart" thing to do. She takes from the almost nothing she has, that her son's life and her life depends on. After this she knew there is no more. She already knows that starvation is imminent and this little flour and oil she has and even the little bit of firewood left will prolong life just a little while longer, and that "little while" is very precious to her. But in spite of all this and her fear, the Bible says:
"She went right off and did it, did just as Elijah asked."
RLO: That Father, is amazing to me. It's one thing to endure the hardships and potential ruin when it's only just you. But when one's decisions have potential dire impact on those you love, that is scary and amazing. There is a point at which those who are dependent on you weighs so heavy you think you can't make the decision. It's an awesome responsibility. But this poor, poor widow did it, trusted and knew that her decision about this crazy, unlikely promise would happen. The Bible says:
"And it turned out as he said--daily food for her and her family. The jar of meal didn't run out and the bottle of oil didn't become empty. God's promise fulfilled to the letter...exactly as Elijah had delivered it."
WIDOW: "Hallelujah! I was right to trust God. I'm now set. No matter what goes on around me, no matter how long this drought lasts, I'm going to be faithful to God and I will be fine. I'm telling everyone what God did for me and how he blessed me. All is well and God is pleased with my decision."
RLO: But wait. That's not what happened at all. The Bible says:
"Later on the woman's son became sick. The sickness took a turn for the worse and he stopped breathing."
WIDOW: "How could You God? I wish You had just let us die when I expected it. Why did You build me up? Put me on the joyful road of answered prayers? Bless me? Put my fears behind me? I gave You all the credit and glory. I was set, trusting You and being a great witness for You. And now You take my son away! I knew I couldn't trust You! Life is awful and always will be. I can't take any more."
RLO: The Bible says:
"The woman said to Elijah, "Why did you even show up here in the first place--a holy man barging in, exposing my sins, and killing my son?"
Elijah then immediately turned to God. He also questioned what God was doing. His faith was in crisis. He didn't understand at all! The Bible says:
"Then he prayed. "Oh, God, my God, why have you brought this terrible thing on this widow who has opened her home to me? Why have you killed her son?"
I think about my own son and him almost dying.Why oh God did You do this? Why did You take him right to the jaws of death physically? Why did You potentially kill my dreams and expectations for him? Why? The Bible continues:
"Three times he [Elijah] stretched himself out full length on the boy, praying with all his might, "God, my God, put breath back into this boy's body!" God listened to Elijah's prayer and put breath back into his body--he was alive!"
You did this for me too Father. My son is alive! Why? I don't have all the answers. But I can see how my family has changed. Oh what pain and disappointment we had to go through and still do. But it is clear You are at work. It is overwhelming for me to be aware of all the intricacies and repercussions in so many lives, with mine maybe experiencing the most powerful and evident change, and it isn't over yet. The Bible then says about the widowed mother:
"The woman said to Elijah, "I see it all now...when God speaks it is a true Word!"
So why did this happen Father? We can only see backward. We can't see forward. We only know the now! And between what You've done in the past, and knowing only the now, we trust You and rely on You for our future. Who knows? Only You. Elijah's doubts, questions, faith crisis, why? Well maybe You were preparing him for going up against Ahab and the Baal prophets. He saw the power You have, bringing the dead to life. He could rely on that. But he didn't know that at that time. Feeding him by ravens was great. But it would take more than that to convince him to trust You to overcome the prophets of Baal and to do something completely stupid in burning up the offering and alter with water poured over it. It took seeing You raise the dead through him.
There's one more event that pertains so much to me. We move into the story of Ahab and Obadiah. After the events of Elijah and the widow, the Bible says:
"A long time passed. Then God's word came to Elijah."
What happened during that "long time"? We don't know. But somehow I think that Elijah needed time to take all this in and deepen in his relationship to You God. This event, raising of the dead boy through Elijah, had been so very powerful, and You got Elijah's attention. But only You God knew what was facing him in the future. You knew how You wanted to use Elijah and there was a lot more to teach him, to grow and deepen him, so You took the time You needed with him. No hurry. You're in control. Elijah may have thought it was wasted time and impatient. He may have thought: "Man, I'm ready to go now! I just saw God raise the dead, better than anything else I've seen so far, and he did it through me! I'm ready to go. God I'm ready! I'm pumped! Let's go do whatever You want." But God wasn't ready--he pulled back and spent time with Elijah privately. Elijah may have really been frustrated and disappointed, but God was in control and knew best.
After a long time had passed, the Bible says:
"Then God's word came to Elijah. "Go and present yourself to Ahab"...Elijah set out to present himself to Ahab."
Only now was Elijah ready for the next assignment. He had to overcome fear, doubt and most importantly himself!
Then the story shifts to Elijah's servant. After Elijah humiliated and demoralized the prophets of Baal, the Bible says he [Elijah] climbed to the top of Mt. Carmel. There he:
"...bowed deeply in prayer, his face between his knees."
He was spent physically, emotionally and spiritually. The drought was going to end. The prophets of Baal had been destroyed. Elijah was struck down before God. And he prayed fervently. He told his young servant:
"On your feet now! Look toward the sea."
But the servant reported back that he saw nothing. Elijah told him to keep looking. And then the young servant saw something. Elijah was still praying. The Bible says:
"And sure enough, "Oh yes, a cloud! But very small, no bigger than some one's hand rising out of the sea."
How like You Father. To be a whisper, after all of the huge demonstrations of Your power. How like You in Your answers to our prayers, just a small cloud out in the distance. No big response. Can I see it? Do I trust it? Just out of reach, but its there! Then the Bible says Elijah told the young servant:
"Quickly then, on your way. Tell Ahab. Saddle up and get down from the mountain before the rain stops you!"
Elijah trusted. He knew. This horrible, huge drought that covered thousands of miles was over. He trusted. He knew this small cloud off in the distance was his answer from God. He knew that even though the cloud was small, it would grow into a huge water producing, drenching rain. He believed it so much that he knew it would prohibit travel and he wanted Ahab to know even before it started raining. Oh God, how unlike me. I'd want to wait and see if it were the real thing and truly an answer to my prayer before I trusted and surely before I would tell anyone. But not Elijah. He believed and he trusted You completely before it actually started raining huge buckets of water that "would develop" from this small cloud off in the distance. The Bible says:
"Things happened fast. The sky grew black with wind-driven clouds, and then a huge cloudburst of rain..."
The Bible also says:
"God strengthened Elijah mightily. Pulling up his robe and tying it around his waist, Elijah ran in front of Ahab's chariot until he reached Jezreel."
Even with all Elijah had done and he was physically, emotionally and maybe spiritually spent, You still gave Elijah the strength to run in front of the horses. Oh Father my God! How wonderful You are.
Now I understand that Elijah might have never had these thoughts. But you know he was human just like you and me and these just might have been going through his mind. It certainly helped me to see God's work in people when we really don't have a clue as to what He is doing and yet we are absolutely, directly the recipient of His workings.
Please read on and maybe God will speak to you where you are right now.
(What are written in italics are direct quotes from The Message passages in 1 Kings 16-18. My thoughts are indicated by RLO. What might have been Elijah's and the Widow's are indicated by ELIJAH and WIDOW.)
RLO: Father, I am overwhelmed and overjoyed this morning. I awoke very early and started to think about the impending end of the money I had set aside to live on. My emotions and fear began to follow. But Your Spirit spoke to me and reminded me "Don't be afraid. Don't be afraid." And I wasn't. The feelings of anxiety and fear left. I got up and started my reading in Your Word. I read 1 Kings 16-18. You spoke to me so greatly through this passage. It was about Elijah and his life at the beginning of his ministry with You. I'm going to try and tell here what You said to me.
We don't know what Elijah's life was like before he came on the scene in the Bible. But the environment and society in which he lived was horrible. Ahab, who was king at the time, was exceedingly evil and all of the population of Israel was affected in some way. So I can assume Elijah was really struggling trying to stay obedient to God and he knew of Ahab's ways and the kind of person he really was. In addition Ahab was greatly influenced by his wife Jezebel, who was also extremely evil and powerful. The Bible says:
"Ahab son of Omri did even more open evil before God than anyone yet--a new champion in evil!...It was under Ahab's rule that Hiel of Bethel...ritually sacrificed his first-born son...and his youngest son...That is exactly what Joshua son of Nun said would happen."
It was in this kind of environment and conditions in which Elijah lived. Life must have been very difficult and the world was against all that Elijah believed in. Going on the Bible says:
"And then this happened: Elijah the Tishbite...confronted Ahab; "As surely as God lives..."
God had had enough. So he sent Elijah to confront Ahab. I wonder what Elijah thought. "You want me to do what?" And then again, maybe he didn't wonder this. Maybe Elijah was desperate for God and just did it. Whichever way it was, the effect it had on Ahab was not pretty.
"God then told Elijah, "Get out of here, and fast...hide out...you can drink fresh water from the brook; I've ordered the ravens to feed you. Elijah obeyed God's orders."
Now I don't know how Elijah felt or what he thought, but what came to my mind was that he might have felt something like this:
ELIJAH: "OK, life was not perfect and goodness knows I'm not perfect, but all of a sudden my life has turned upside down. Not only are You asking me God to give up everything and do something completely crazy, like tell this evil king bad news, even when everyone around me would say I'm nuts, but I have to give up my home, all I've ever known, my family, and now I'm on the run for my life. Fear? I think I have something to be afraid of! Questions? Yeah! I have lots of questions. You'll take care of me? Come on! Be fed by ravens? But, I'm going to trust You with everything! I'll do as You say." Then the Bible goes on to say:
"And sure enough, ravens brought him his meals, both breakfast and supper, and he drank from the brook."
ELIJAH: "OK, so You did that Father. I see. But I still don't know why me, or why I'm doing this. So what? I do know that because of what You told me to tell Ahab I'm going to suffer greatly. Why do I deserve this? I've been faithful to You against all kinds of odds, persecutions, bad situations, powerful influences, why?" Then Father, Your Word says:
"Eventually the brook dried up because of the drought. Then God spoke to him: Get up and go...and live there. I've instructed a woman who lives there, a widow, to feed you."
ELIJAH: "Oh great, I'm sitting here in this wilderness alone, by a brook being fed by ravens. While it might not be ideal, I at least have food and water. But I see little by little each day the water starting to dry up and I start worrying. What's going to happen when it's gone? How long are the ravens going to keep this up? I've been out here a long time. Where are You God? What's going to happen to me? I did what You said and now look. I'm lonely. The water's drying up and I'm going to die, for what? Nothing has really changed. The world is still evil. But I hear You. You told me to get up and go. Won't that be dangerous? Ahab is still trying to kill me. That hasn't changed. Maybe if I stay here, I can outlast the drought. Why can't You use Your power to just keep the water flowing for me, even during the drought. You can do that! Why do I have to go? And You say You've spoken to a widow to feed me? What if it turns out just like this, good for a while, but then I'm in trouble again. How do I know You talked to a widow? Who is she anyway? How will I find her? I'm putting my life into this unknown person. She doesn't know me. At least I know what I have here. You've done what You said, but even with that, now the water's drying up." But the Bible says:
"So he got up and went."
RLO: I guess I have to trust and obey just like that. Elijah did. What he did was against what might be considered realistic, pragmatic or conventional wisdom. So when he got to his destination, I think Elijah would have expected this widow to be wealthy enough and be hospitable to welcome him, because God had already given her the word. But no, that's not what happened at all. The Bible says that when Elijah asked for a little jug of water because he was thirsty and something to eat, her response was:
"I swear, as surely as God lives, I don't have so much as a biscuit...you found me scratching together just enough firewood to make a last meal for my son and me. After we eat it, we'll die."
ELIJAH: "What? I thought You said "I've instructed a woman who lives there, a widow to feed you." Do I have the wrong widow? I've got to take control and look for the one You talked to. Why couldn't You have told me which widow it was? You could have been a little more specific in Your directions on how to find her. Now what do I do? I'm hungry, thirsty and really, really tired. This is ridiculous. Why can't You make things easier? This not worth it. Where is all this going? Why am I doing this? And after leaving a place where I was safe. You protected me. I had water and food. I trusted You and traveled all this way. Now I have nothing. You let me down and I don't know where to turn except for me to start making my own decisions."
RLO: But Elijah didn't think like that. Instead it didn't matter if this widow was the "right one." He depended on God's power instead. It wasn't the situation or the way Elijah thought God would work things out. No, but he trusted God and went on. Elijah said to the widow:
"Don't worry about a thing. Go ahead and do what you've said. But first make a small biscuit for me and bring it back here...This is the word of the God of Israel: "The jar of flour will not run out and the bottle of oil will not become empty before God sends rain on the land and ends this drought.""
RLO: Elijah didn't ask for a huge meal. He was obviously hungry. But he just asked for a little bit. God provided. But Elijah also showed his love and compassion for the widow and the son, when he could so easily thought only of himself, his predicament, thwarted expectations, disappointment and fear of the future. He still didn't know what God was doing with him, where he was going and why. He just knew and obeyed one-step-at-a-time and each step wasn't always pretty.
The story goes on in the Bible, but the emphasis now shifts to the widow. So she did what Elijah told her to do. For some reason she trusted him (and God) and does what is not the "smart" thing to do. She takes from the almost nothing she has, that her son's life and her life depends on. After this she knew there is no more. She already knows that starvation is imminent and this little flour and oil she has and even the little bit of firewood left will prolong life just a little while longer, and that "little while" is very precious to her. But in spite of all this and her fear, the Bible says:
"She went right off and did it, did just as Elijah asked."
RLO: That Father, is amazing to me. It's one thing to endure the hardships and potential ruin when it's only just you. But when one's decisions have potential dire impact on those you love, that is scary and amazing. There is a point at which those who are dependent on you weighs so heavy you think you can't make the decision. It's an awesome responsibility. But this poor, poor widow did it, trusted and knew that her decision about this crazy, unlikely promise would happen. The Bible says:
"And it turned out as he said--daily food for her and her family. The jar of meal didn't run out and the bottle of oil didn't become empty. God's promise fulfilled to the letter...exactly as Elijah had delivered it."
WIDOW: "Hallelujah! I was right to trust God. I'm now set. No matter what goes on around me, no matter how long this drought lasts, I'm going to be faithful to God and I will be fine. I'm telling everyone what God did for me and how he blessed me. All is well and God is pleased with my decision."
RLO: But wait. That's not what happened at all. The Bible says:
"Later on the woman's son became sick. The sickness took a turn for the worse and he stopped breathing."
WIDOW: "How could You God? I wish You had just let us die when I expected it. Why did You build me up? Put me on the joyful road of answered prayers? Bless me? Put my fears behind me? I gave You all the credit and glory. I was set, trusting You and being a great witness for You. And now You take my son away! I knew I couldn't trust You! Life is awful and always will be. I can't take any more."
RLO: The Bible says:
"The woman said to Elijah, "Why did you even show up here in the first place--a holy man barging in, exposing my sins, and killing my son?"
Elijah then immediately turned to God. He also questioned what God was doing. His faith was in crisis. He didn't understand at all! The Bible says:
"Then he prayed. "Oh, God, my God, why have you brought this terrible thing on this widow who has opened her home to me? Why have you killed her son?"
I think about my own son and him almost dying.Why oh God did You do this? Why did You take him right to the jaws of death physically? Why did You potentially kill my dreams and expectations for him? Why? The Bible continues:
"Three times he [Elijah] stretched himself out full length on the boy, praying with all his might, "God, my God, put breath back into this boy's body!" God listened to Elijah's prayer and put breath back into his body--he was alive!"
You did this for me too Father. My son is alive! Why? I don't have all the answers. But I can see how my family has changed. Oh what pain and disappointment we had to go through and still do. But it is clear You are at work. It is overwhelming for me to be aware of all the intricacies and repercussions in so many lives, with mine maybe experiencing the most powerful and evident change, and it isn't over yet. The Bible then says about the widowed mother:
"The woman said to Elijah, "I see it all now...when God speaks it is a true Word!"
So why did this happen Father? We can only see backward. We can't see forward. We only know the now! And between what You've done in the past, and knowing only the now, we trust You and rely on You for our future. Who knows? Only You. Elijah's doubts, questions, faith crisis, why? Well maybe You were preparing him for going up against Ahab and the Baal prophets. He saw the power You have, bringing the dead to life. He could rely on that. But he didn't know that at that time. Feeding him by ravens was great. But it would take more than that to convince him to trust You to overcome the prophets of Baal and to do something completely stupid in burning up the offering and alter with water poured over it. It took seeing You raise the dead through him.
There's one more event that pertains so much to me. We move into the story of Ahab and Obadiah. After the events of Elijah and the widow, the Bible says:
"A long time passed. Then God's word came to Elijah."
What happened during that "long time"? We don't know. But somehow I think that Elijah needed time to take all this in and deepen in his relationship to You God. This event, raising of the dead boy through Elijah, had been so very powerful, and You got Elijah's attention. But only You God knew what was facing him in the future. You knew how You wanted to use Elijah and there was a lot more to teach him, to grow and deepen him, so You took the time You needed with him. No hurry. You're in control. Elijah may have thought it was wasted time and impatient. He may have thought: "Man, I'm ready to go now! I just saw God raise the dead, better than anything else I've seen so far, and he did it through me! I'm ready to go. God I'm ready! I'm pumped! Let's go do whatever You want." But God wasn't ready--he pulled back and spent time with Elijah privately. Elijah may have really been frustrated and disappointed, but God was in control and knew best.
After a long time had passed, the Bible says:
"Then God's word came to Elijah. "Go and present yourself to Ahab"...Elijah set out to present himself to Ahab."
Only now was Elijah ready for the next assignment. He had to overcome fear, doubt and most importantly himself!
Then the story shifts to Elijah's servant. After Elijah humiliated and demoralized the prophets of Baal, the Bible says he [Elijah] climbed to the top of Mt. Carmel. There he:
"...bowed deeply in prayer, his face between his knees."
He was spent physically, emotionally and spiritually. The drought was going to end. The prophets of Baal had been destroyed. Elijah was struck down before God. And he prayed fervently. He told his young servant:
"On your feet now! Look toward the sea."
But the servant reported back that he saw nothing. Elijah told him to keep looking. And then the young servant saw something. Elijah was still praying. The Bible says:
"And sure enough, "Oh yes, a cloud! But very small, no bigger than some one's hand rising out of the sea."
How like You Father. To be a whisper, after all of the huge demonstrations of Your power. How like You in Your answers to our prayers, just a small cloud out in the distance. No big response. Can I see it? Do I trust it? Just out of reach, but its there! Then the Bible says Elijah told the young servant:
"Quickly then, on your way. Tell Ahab. Saddle up and get down from the mountain before the rain stops you!"
Elijah trusted. He knew. This horrible, huge drought that covered thousands of miles was over. He trusted. He knew this small cloud off in the distance was his answer from God. He knew that even though the cloud was small, it would grow into a huge water producing, drenching rain. He believed it so much that he knew it would prohibit travel and he wanted Ahab to know even before it started raining. Oh God, how unlike me. I'd want to wait and see if it were the real thing and truly an answer to my prayer before I trusted and surely before I would tell anyone. But not Elijah. He believed and he trusted You completely before it actually started raining huge buckets of water that "would develop" from this small cloud off in the distance. The Bible says:
"Things happened fast. The sky grew black with wind-driven clouds, and then a huge cloudburst of rain..."
The Bible also says:
"God strengthened Elijah mightily. Pulling up his robe and tying it around his waist, Elijah ran in front of Ahab's chariot until he reached Jezreel."
Even with all Elijah had done and he was physically, emotionally and maybe spiritually spent, You still gave Elijah the strength to run in front of the horses. Oh Father my God! How wonderful You are.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
God's in Control in Seemingly Unrelated Events
Do you ever just wonder about events in your life and how they come together into one seamless stream of occurrences? I do. I am amazed at how God works to bring things about; how many people are involved; how many situations; and no one knows what's going on and what the other events and people are doing. But somehow they come together and produce an event in a person's life, but no one knows how. And at the same time there are other billions, trillions, gazillion other so-called unrelated events going on at the same time that will come together at just the right time and place to accomplish what God wants to do in one occurrence. Just blows my mind.
I'm reading in 2 Kings right now and there is a situation going on where this is evident. It is in chapters 6 and 7 and involves Elisha the prophet, Ben-Hadad (king of Aram), the king of Israel, and an attendant on whom the king of Israel leaned for support.
We read that the king of Aram had laid siege on Samaria. [king did this for totally different purposes than what eventually transpired] "...This brought on a terrible famine...One day the king of Israel was walking along the city wall [Didn't know a woman was going to tell him what was going on in her life]. A woman cried out, "help! Your majesty!"[She didn't know the king was going to walk on the roof at just that time]...The king said "Tell me your story."...She said, " This woman came to me and said, 'Give up your son and we'll have him for today's supper; tomorrow we'll eat my son.' So we cooked my son and ate him. The next day I told her, 'Your turn--bring your son so we can have him for supper.' But she had hidden her son away." When the king heard the woman's story he ripped apart his robe...."God do his worst to me--and more--if Elisha son of Shaphat still has a head on his shoulders at this day's end."...Elisha was sitting at home, the elders sitting with him [Didn't know what had transpired with the king of Israel and the woman]. The king had already dispatched the executioner...While [Elisha] was giving instructions, the king showed up, accusing, "This trouble is directly from God! And what's next: I'm fed up with God!" [Oh,oh, now the plot thickens. It's not really smart to say these things, but haven't we all a time or two?]
"Elisha said, "Listen! God's word! The famine's over. This time tomorrow food will be plentiful...The attendant on whom the king leaned for support said to the Holy Man. "You expect us to believe that? Trapdoors opening in the sky and food tumbling out?" [He doesn't know God, does he? But again, haven't we all questioned God before and will in the future?]
"You'll watch it with your own eyes," he said, "but you will not eat so much as a mouthful!" [Did Elisha know how this would occur? We aren't told that he did.]
"It happened that four lepers were sitting just outside the city gate. [Apparently oblivious to what had just occurred with Elisha, king of Israel and his attendant.] They said to one another, "What are we doing sitting here at death's door?...let's take our chances in the camp of Aram...If they receive us we'll live, if they kill us we'll die. We've got nothing to lose."...When they got to the edge of the cam, surprise! Not a man in the camp! [God] had made the army of Aram hear the sound of horses and a might army on the march. Panicked, they ran [totally unrelated to all that was going on with the king of Israel, Elisha, the attendant, and the four lepers, but God was orchestrating all of it]...These four lepers entered the camp...Finally they said to one another, "We shouldn't be doing this! This is a day of good news and we're making it into a private party!...Let's go tell the news to the king's [Israel's] palace." [The lepers had no idea what this would do to the people in creating a mob.]
"The people then looted the camp of Aram. Food prices dropped overnight...God's word to the letter! The king ordered his attendant, the one he leaned on for support, to be in charge of the city gate. [Had no idea what was about to happen] The people, turned into a mob, poured through the gate, trampling him to death. It was exactly what the Holy Man [Elisha] had said when the king had come to him."
"Every word of the Holy Man to the king--"A handful of meal for a sheckel, two handfuls of grain for a shekel this time tomorrow in the gate of Samaria," with the attendant's sarcastic reply to the Holy Man, "You expect us to believe that? Trapdoors opening in the sky and food tumbling out?" followed by the response, "You'll watch it with your own eyes, but you won't eat so much as a mouthful"--proved true. The final stroke came when the people trampled the man to death at the city gate."
Appears to be totally unrelated instances, but God knew!!! If we could just remember, rely on, and trust that God is at work all the time. And some time it will involve us. We just don't have any idea.
One of my favorite passages that shows God's provision and how much he takes care of me is earlier in chapter 6 verses 14-17. It says: "Then he dispatched horses and chariots, an impressive fighting force. They came by night and surrounded the city. Early in the morning a servant of the Holy Man [Elisha] got up and went out. Surprise! Horses and chariots surrounding the city! The young man exclaimed, "Oh, master! What shall we do?" He said, "Don't worry about it--there are more on our side than on their side." Then Elisha prayed, "O God, open his eyes and let him see." The eyes of the young man were opened and he saw. A wonder! The whole mountainside full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha!"
Lord, please help me to remember this and trust you completely!!!!
I'm reading in 2 Kings right now and there is a situation going on where this is evident. It is in chapters 6 and 7 and involves Elisha the prophet, Ben-Hadad (king of Aram), the king of Israel, and an attendant on whom the king of Israel leaned for support.
We read that the king of Aram had laid siege on Samaria. [king did this for totally different purposes than what eventually transpired] "...This brought on a terrible famine...One day the king of Israel was walking along the city wall [Didn't know a woman was going to tell him what was going on in her life]. A woman cried out, "help! Your majesty!"[She didn't know the king was going to walk on the roof at just that time]...The king said "Tell me your story."...She said, " This woman came to me and said, 'Give up your son and we'll have him for today's supper; tomorrow we'll eat my son.' So we cooked my son and ate him. The next day I told her, 'Your turn--bring your son so we can have him for supper.' But she had hidden her son away." When the king heard the woman's story he ripped apart his robe...."God do his worst to me--and more--if Elisha son of Shaphat still has a head on his shoulders at this day's end."...Elisha was sitting at home, the elders sitting with him [Didn't know what had transpired with the king of Israel and the woman]. The king had already dispatched the executioner...While [Elisha] was giving instructions, the king showed up, accusing, "This trouble is directly from God! And what's next: I'm fed up with God!" [Oh,oh, now the plot thickens. It's not really smart to say these things, but haven't we all a time or two?]
"Elisha said, "Listen! God's word! The famine's over. This time tomorrow food will be plentiful...The attendant on whom the king leaned for support said to the Holy Man. "You expect us to believe that? Trapdoors opening in the sky and food tumbling out?" [He doesn't know God, does he? But again, haven't we all questioned God before and will in the future?]
"You'll watch it with your own eyes," he said, "but you will not eat so much as a mouthful!" [Did Elisha know how this would occur? We aren't told that he did.]
"It happened that four lepers were sitting just outside the city gate. [Apparently oblivious to what had just occurred with Elisha, king of Israel and his attendant.] They said to one another, "What are we doing sitting here at death's door?...let's take our chances in the camp of Aram...If they receive us we'll live, if they kill us we'll die. We've got nothing to lose."...When they got to the edge of the cam, surprise! Not a man in the camp! [God] had made the army of Aram hear the sound of horses and a might army on the march. Panicked, they ran [totally unrelated to all that was going on with the king of Israel, Elisha, the attendant, and the four lepers, but God was orchestrating all of it]...These four lepers entered the camp...Finally they said to one another, "We shouldn't be doing this! This is a day of good news and we're making it into a private party!...Let's go tell the news to the king's [Israel's] palace." [The lepers had no idea what this would do to the people in creating a mob.]
"The people then looted the camp of Aram. Food prices dropped overnight...God's word to the letter! The king ordered his attendant, the one he leaned on for support, to be in charge of the city gate. [Had no idea what was about to happen] The people, turned into a mob, poured through the gate, trampling him to death. It was exactly what the Holy Man [Elisha] had said when the king had come to him."
"Every word of the Holy Man to the king--"A handful of meal for a sheckel, two handfuls of grain for a shekel this time tomorrow in the gate of Samaria," with the attendant's sarcastic reply to the Holy Man, "You expect us to believe that? Trapdoors opening in the sky and food tumbling out?" followed by the response, "You'll watch it with your own eyes, but you won't eat so much as a mouthful"--proved true. The final stroke came when the people trampled the man to death at the city gate."
Appears to be totally unrelated instances, but God knew!!! If we could just remember, rely on, and trust that God is at work all the time. And some time it will involve us. We just don't have any idea.
One of my favorite passages that shows God's provision and how much he takes care of me is earlier in chapter 6 verses 14-17. It says: "Then he dispatched horses and chariots, an impressive fighting force. They came by night and surrounded the city. Early in the morning a servant of the Holy Man [Elisha] got up and went out. Surprise! Horses and chariots surrounding the city! The young man exclaimed, "Oh, master! What shall we do?" He said, "Don't worry about it--there are more on our side than on their side." Then Elisha prayed, "O God, open his eyes and let him see." The eyes of the young man were opened and he saw. A wonder! The whole mountainside full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha!"
Lord, please help me to remember this and trust you completely!!!!
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