LizG – Page 30 – Pressing On In His Footsteps

On The Good Shepherd

Ezekiel 34:11-16 (MSG). “‘God, the Master, says: From now on, I myself am the shepherd. I’m going looking for them. As shepherds go after their flocks when they get scattered, I’m going after my sheep. I’ll rescue them from all the places they’ve been scattered to in the storms. I’ll bring them back from foreign peoples, gather them from foreign countries, and bring them back to their home country. I’ll feed them on the mountains of Israel, along the streams, among their own people. I’ll lead them into lush pasture so they can roam the mountain pastures of Israel, graze at leisure, feed in the rich pastures on the mountains of Israel. And I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep. I myself will make sure they get plenty of rest. I’ll go after the lost, I’ll collect the strays, I’ll doctor the injured, I’ll build up the weak ones and oversee the strong ones so they’re not exploited.

Observation

The prophet Ezekiel is speaking to Israel in exile in Babylon after the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. The destruction of Jerusalem was prophesied if the people did not turn from their evil ways and return to worshipping God. They did not listen. The amazing thought is, even though He must fulfill His promises (whether blessing or curse), all that God ever does is for the purpose of redemption – “that they turn from their evil ways and live”.

The demonstration of our God’s power, the fulfillment of the prophecies spoken by Ezekiel and the execution of His judgment, are all so that His creation, His beloved, will realize that He is God and turn from their evil ways and live. Ezekiel 38:11 “Tell them, ‘As sure as I am the living God, I take no pleasure from the death of the wicked. I want the wicked to change their ways and live. Turn your life around! Reverse your evil ways! Why die, Israel?’” What kind of love extends this far, has this height and depth, reaches out to even those who revile and hate Him? Only our God!

In these verses you can hear the heart of God crying out for His beloved. He has no desire to see even one of His creation destroyed; His heart aches to see us all rescued, redeemed, restored, renewed. The Enemy’s deception and destruction are part of the plan to wound and break God’s heart yet again. The Enemy is very good at what he does, but not infallible, not invincible, for he has already been defeated by our Savior on the Cross of Calvary.

Impact on Me

This trip through Ezekiel has been different for me. Before I was always frustrated by the doom, gloom and destruction, the fantastic unintelligible visions, loads of seemingly unimportant measurements – like a bad dream from which you are glad to wake up. This was so unlike the gracious and loving God I knew, so much more like an angry God reacting when He was finally fed up with these inconsistent humans – the idolatry, the betrayal, the arrogance and cruelty, the defiance/denial of His power and authority.

However, this time through I have had a different perspective – maybe listening better or letting God out of the box I’ve constructed for Him? This is actually a book about God’s merciful and loving Father heart and His plan for redemption, offered to even the most difficult or rebellious of His creatures – about the Good Shepherd of Psalm 23 and John 10. This is the Father in the Prodigal Son story, the One Who seeks out and rescues our Prodigals from whatever stinking, ugly mess they find themselves and then redeems them because they are His beloved.

This is the Shepherd Who was willing to die in the hope that I would come to Him, turn from my evil ways and surrender my pride, my plans, my goals, my future to and for His will and purpose for my life. He was offering me a priceless and eternal treasure for my temporal personal “wealth”, the choice between life in Him and death on my own (Deuteronomy 30:19). I decided to choose life and have never regretted that choice.

Prayer

Lord, You are the Good Shepherd Who laid down His life for this sheep. I am so grateful that You found me and rescued me from a life focused on and ruled by the vagaries, pride and circumstances of this world. I pray for all those as yet unredeemed that You would rescue them as You rescued me. In Christ I have chosen to be quick to repent when I become too focused on who I am, what I have, what recognition I should receive and what I can do on my own rather than following close and depending on You to lead, sustain and protect me. I am grateful that You remind me to get my eyes off the difficulty of the road and keep them lifted up to focus on You and where You lead. Lead me in the way everlasting. I choose life in and with You. Make it so, in Jesus’ name.

On the Neighborhood Where God Lives

Leviticus 26:3a,11-13 MSG“If you live by my decrees and obediently keep my commandments, … ^11-13“I’ll set up my residence in your neighborhood; I won’t avoid or shun you; I’ll stroll through your streets. I’ll be your God; you’ll be my people. I am God, your personal God who rescued you from Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians. I ripped off the harness of your slavery so that you can move about freely.

John 1:14 MSG The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.

Revelation 21:3-5 MSGI heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making His home with men and women! They’re His people, He’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.” The Enthroned continued, “Look! I’m making everything new. Write it all down—each word dependable and accurate.”

Observation

It has been God’s intention from the beginning to dwell with His humans. He intended to have a close personal relationship with us from the beginning. He created the Garden of Eden as His perfect neighborhood to share with His creation. He made one rule for Adam and Eve – allow God alone to determine what is good and what is evil. But temptation came along and they bit. There goes the neighborhood!

God did not give up. He tried again to find a way to walk among us by making a covenant with His people. Just obey me and I will pour out my blessings upon you, including dwelling among you. Despite the miraculous deliverance from Egypt and walking on dry land through the Red Sea, His people kept taking back the right to determine good and evil – “doing what seemed right in their own eyes” over and over again.

Still God did not give up. He sent Jesus, the Word made flesh, God Himself, to establish a new covenant. This one would be unbreakable because it would be between God and the Man Jesus Christ (essentially, Himself). This allows us to become a home in the neighborhood in which God dwells when we choose to accept the sacrifice of the Cross and dwell in Christ. God is redeeming His original neighborhood one home, one person at a time.

Impact on Me

I often wonder why God made us human and risked His relationship with us by giving us this free will. He could have made us anything and surely something with a greater tendency to submission and obedience. However, He made the choice to give us choices so that, when we did choose Him, when we did trust Him with determining good and evil, it would mean so much more.

So, to become a completely remodeled, redeemed home in God’s neighborhood, I need to submit my rights, my choices, my obedience, to Him. I need to put my life up as an offering, a sacrifice, embracing what He asks me to do as what is best for me, so He can do what will fulfill His will and purpose, what will benefit His plan for all humankind. All He is asking me to do is allow my life, my culture, my choices on earth to be as His are in Heaven rather than adopting the culture native to this earth. Just pass by the tree, Liz, and trust Me, trust Me.

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. (Romans 12:1-2 MSG)”

Prayer

Lord God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, Redeemer, Lover of my soul, give me wisdom, knowledge, understanding and the strength to choose well and grow in the culture of Heaven. I pray that You by Your Holy Spirit will grab my hand when I reach out to betray You by doing what seems right in my own eyes rather than walking in the truth of what You say is good or evil. May I be changed from the inside out to become a place of refuge and peace for those You are bringing out of darkness into Your marvelous light. Make it so, in Jesus’ name.

On God’s Pattern for Good

Genesis 50:20 MSG Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people.

Romans 8:26-28 Phillips The Spirit of God not only maintains this hope within us, but helps us in our present limitations. For example, we do not know how to pray worthily as sons of God, but His Spirit within us is actually praying for us in those agonising longings which never find words. And God who knows the heart’s secrets understands, of course, the Spirit’s intention as He prays for those who love God. ^28-30Moreover we know that to those who love God, who are called according to His plan, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good.

Observation

God’s pattern for good is often a mystery for us. I am sure that Joseph wasn’t feeling the goodness while he was being sold into slavery, then unjustly accused by Potiphar’s wife, and ending up in jail. But, in hindsight, he could see why he was where he was and what God was doing in the not so good times of his life. He was handpicked and specifically placed for God’s purposes.

Paul is another who was specifically chosen by God and then molded and shaped to fulfill His will and purpose – in and out of jail, shipwrecked, beaten, hungry, homeless and more. His life could be the basis for a “sick, sober and sorry, broke, disgusted and sad” country song! Paul endured it all for the sake of the Gospel, seeing each circumstance as an opportunity to share Jesus in a new place with a new group of people.

These two trusted and rested in wherever our good God would lead them and accepted whatever they must endure knowing that the ultimate destination was “life for many people.” I wonder what I would have done in their stead – bemoan my circumstances or look around to see where Jesus was leading?

Impact on Me

I have found in my Christian walk that God is the best, the perfect Father, because He is more interested in:

building my character than providing my comfort,
becoming my hope and Comforter in unbearable or unspeakable times,
strengthening my endurance in faith rather than making my life easy,
walking alongside me at my pace to build a relationship that will withstand every flaming arrow the enemy may shoot,
patiently teaching me (again and again) how to trust His plan and timing rather than bustling about trying to bring about my own “perfect” plans to rectify or solve the issues I face.

In other words, He loves me enough to work for my good regardless of how I may view the process or the circumstances I must endure. Faith becomes stronger when it is exercised and I tend to exercise it more when I know I don’t have the answer or have no control over changing my circumstances or just have no strength to go on or rise above them.

I have to admit that most of the deep holes I have found myself in where of my own making – running ahead of God, pursuing my own solutions, or heading in a different direction that He was leading. One thing I have always found is that He holds no grudge, never shames me with “I told you so!” or turns a deaf ear. He goes with me into the morass, the darkness, the fire and, when I repent for my rebellion, arrogance, or other human failing, and call out to Him, He leads me out. I find that He has been close by waiting for my call, praying for me to see and call out to Him. “His Spirit within us is actually praying for us in those agonising longings which never find words. And God who knows the heart’s secrets understands, of course, the Spirit’s intention as He prays for those who love God.” What did I do to deserve such a Savior?

Prayer

Father, You are the perfect parent, One Who knows my heart and my intentions. You respond with grace and forgiveness when I repent, never shaming me but always encouraging, comforting, and building me up when I turn to find You again. Give me the wisdom to trust You, regardless of where You lead me and where You place me, so that I may give You joy in Your heart by responding according to Your Word and grace. I want to be all that You dream for me to be, using all the talents, abilities, and wisdom that You have gifted to me in the ways You desire. I ask it all in Jesus’ name. Make it so.

On The Best We Can Do

Ephesians 6:10-18 PHILLIPS In conclusion be strong—not in yourselves but in the Lord, in the power of his boundless resource. Put on God’s complete armour so that you can successfully resist all the devil’s methods of attack. For our fight is not against any physical enemy: it is against organisations and powers that are spiritual. We are up against the unseen power that controls this dark world, and spiritual agents from the very headquarters of evil. Therefore, you must wear the whole armour of God that you may be able to resist evil in its day of power, and that even when you have fought to a standstill you may still stand your ground. Take your stand then with truth as your belt, righteousness your breastplate, the Gospel of peace firmly on your feet, salvation as your helmet and in your hand the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Above all be sure you take faith as your shield, for it can quench every burning missile the enemy hurls at you. Pray at all times with every kind of spiritual prayer, keeping alert and persistent as you pray for all Christ’s men and women.

Ephesians 6:10-18 MSG And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Observation

This is a very familiar passage of Scripture, but has it become so familiar that we read it without hearing what it says? “For our fight is not against any physical enemy: it is against organisations and powers that are spiritual. We are up against the unseen power that controls this dark world, and spiritual agents from the very headquarters of evil.” Paul is telling us that what happens in the world – all the physical pain, suffering, injustice, greed, oppression, hatred and every other evil work- are symptoms and evidence of this spiritual “unseen power that controls this dark world” creating division and chaos.

Paul is not saying that we should ignore the physical manifestations of evil, but rather encourages us here and in so many other places in his letters to actively demonstrate the love, grace and mercy of God by our actions. “Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet.” He is saying that we will never truly overcome evil without using the weapons He provides – “Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own.” I note that the powerful overcoming weapons He provides are all intangible – truth, peace, salvation, righteousness, faith, the Word of God and prayer. These are our power, protection and ability to stand against all the Enemy can throw at us.

Impact on Me

I have been reminded of a little pamphlet I read years ago. It contained excerpts from a prayer warrior’s journal. There was one sentence that the Holy Spirit engraved on my soul – “We don’t have to hold out against the Devil; he has to hold out against us.” I was again reminded of that as the message of these verses has captured me over the last few months.

I am a doer. As a Disaster Relief Chaplain, my purpose is to wade into the pain and suffering to hug and encourage those who are hurting. However, in this recent pandemic I have been excluded from physically helping because I am in a high-risk category. I was frustrated in the beginning because I was feeling ineffective, excluded, even lazy. I was whining to God about this and He reminded me that there was plenty for me to do to bring comfort and healing using His intangible weapons. This passage of Scripture really impacted and arrested me. I have had to reassess how I value my power to do and what I can accomplish with the work of my hands against God’s power to do and what He can accomplish if I submit to the work of His hands.

What do I really believe about the power of prayer – the Word – the practice of His presence – the effectiveness in the true battle of being in Him as opposed to doing for Him? Am I so deceived, so proud, so blind, so basing the significance of my contribution on the approval of men or physical accomplishments that I limit myself to bringing only human weapons and resources to a spiritual battle? It has been a very sobering, painful cleaning out of the closets of my soul, but also liberating, hopeful and full of grace as I cull out the clutter to rediscover the forgotten treasures.

Prayer

Lord, You are the Lord Almighty, the God of angel armies, Who has graciously enlisted and offered to equip me for this battle that rages in this world. Train me to first and always equip myself with Your weapons, to first and always say Yes to orders from You, to first and always follow Your battle plan, to first and always give the praise and glory to You, to first and always look to You alone for approval, to first and always be faithful to find my provision in You, to first and always submit to Your training. Lord, continually search my heart for insubordination, self promotion and disloyalty of any nature and work in me the discipline of a warrior for You in this spiritual conflict. Make it so, in Jesus’s name, I pray.

On Dark Times

Isaiah 9:1-2, 4-7 NLT. Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory. ² The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine…⁴ For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian. ⁵ The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire. ⁶ For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!

Observation

Isaiah prophesied during a time of serious moral and spiritual decline in Judah and Israel. The hills held altars of pagan worship, the wealthy oppressed the poor, women and men neglected families and responsibilities to seek pleasure, the kings were bad, and even many of the priests and prophets were corrupt men-pleasers. Assyria was rising to power and set on conquering the known world. Times were dark, disturbing and dangerous. Isaiah prophesied the future of these nations that had abandoned their God and willfully broken the covenant between them. God would keep His covenant promise of the consequences by allowing them to fall under the control of their enemies.

However, because God is merciful and gracious, He has not permanently abandoned or forsaken them. Isaiah’s name means “Yahweh is Salvation” and much of his book also pleads in anguish for God’s people to turn away from their wicked ways, repent and return to the worship of the One True God. Through Isaiah, God speaks faith and hope, fulfilling another covenant promise, to those who were a faithful remnant in the midst of the darkness, those who continued in obeying, loving and serving God despite the surrounding culture and, probably, criticism and persecution for their piety. God is faithful to the faithful forever.

Isaiah covers it all – judgment, conviction and redemption. Nonetheless, his book is a positive message for whosoever will come, including the assurances of redemption, rescue and restoration, of the certainty of the coming of Messiah, of salvation for both Jew and Gentile, and the triumph of God’s will, plan and purpose despite current circumstances and suffering.

Impact on Me

Gratefully, He also extends this redemption even to the Gentiles – “…there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine…” Galilee was right along a busy international trade route and many Gentiles lived on its shores. This promise is to all of us that now receive Jesus.

Isaiah’s words are a challenge to us today. We live in a world where times are dark, disturbing and dangerous. How different is our society than Isaiah’s – “altars of pagan worship, the wealthy oppressed the poor, women and men neglected families and responsibilities to seek pleasure, the kings were bad, and even many of the priests and prophets were corrupt men-pleasers.” Aren’t we seeing countries trying to overthrow and dominate others? People are consumed with pleasure and the worship of things, fame, power, and even themselves. We hear every day of another irrational act driven by passionate lust, anger, prejudice or misconceptions. Scandal is news. The government at so many levels seems to have lost its way.

I so yearn for this promise to come to pass!! “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.” But, just as those in Isaiah’s time waited, so do I. Will I be one of the faithful ones who does not despair, submits to Jesus, and waits in hope with the knowledge that His government is at work now and or will I become adapted or complacent to the culture around me and drift away from the worship of the One True God? The kingdom I dwell in and the king I serve is my choice.

Prayer

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, I choose Your kingdom, Your government, Your will and way, regardless of the pressures, the circumstances, the temptations surrounding me. I pray that You will give me wisdom, knowledge, understanding, strength, courage and grace to stand firm as I wait for the ultimate fulfillment of these promises. Justice and fairness are in Your hands. May I be an instrument in Your hand to be just and fair in all I do. I ask in it the name of Jesus. Amen.