Pressing On In His Footsteps

Amos 5:13-15 (MSG)  Justice is a lost cause. Evil is epidemic.  Decent people throw up their hands.  Protest and rebuke are useless, a waste of breath.  14   Seek good and not evil—and live!  You talk about God, the God-of-the-Angel-Armies, being your best friend.  Well, live like it, and maybe it will happen.  15  Hate evil and love good, then work it out in the public square.  Maybe God, the God-of-the-Angel-Armies, will notice your remnant and be gracious.

This caused me to revisit an entry in my journal from a few years ago on another prophecy regarding injustice (see below). Even when we feel like the decent people above – overwhelmed by the evil and injustice that surrounds us – we must always remember that we serve the Living God, the God Who answers, the God for Whom nothing is impossible, this God-of-Angel-Armies Who cannot be defeated.

Isaiah 30:12-14 (MSG)  Therefore, The Holy of Israel says this: “Because you scorn this Message, preferring to live by injustice and shape your lives on lies, this perverse way of life will be like a towering, badly built wall that slowly, slowly tilts and shifts, and then one day, without warning, collapses — smashed to bits like a piece of pottery, smashed beyond recognition or repair, useless, a pile of debris to be swept up and thrown in the trash.”

Observation

People make up every society. We forget that people are people, whether in 1000 BC or 2000 AD.  There are always people who live in a way that pleases God and others who seek only to please themselves and the culture in which they live.  Because we only have a perspective limited by our mere decades of life, we often wonder why God does not move more quickly.  Sometimes it seems that the wall is not tilting and shifting because the movement is imperceptible in our short lifespan. 

We also are limited in experiencing the collapses that have come over the millennia, such as the revivals that completely turned a society right side up, the revolutions that have overthrown unjust rulers, and the social reforms that have succeeded against entrenched power and traditions. There is no way to explain with words the history leading up to those powerful events; you had to be there. 

Impact on Me

I have experienced miracles that cannot be explained with words – miracles of provision, healing and restoration.  There is nothing that compares to being in the midst of the power of God working, impacting your situation, making possible what is impossible, demonstrating that His eyes and attention are on you, filling you with a joy and peace that is immeasurable. 

These kinds of experiences fill me with hope for the next impossible challenge.  They also cause me to recognize that it is not what talents, abilities, resources experience or seniority I bring to the table that matter. He has gifted me on purpose for His purposes BUT it is only the submission that comes with faith, my willingness to be used and full obedience to His instructions that make my giftings matter and effective in His service.  His success does not depend on me, but mine entirely depends on Him.

Prayer

Lord, Father God, Almighty, Redeemer, Faithful forever, I praise and thank You for all You have done for us all.  May I never lose hope that You are faithful forever and will fulfill Your Word when the time is right and most profitable to Your Kingdom purposes.  Romans 15:13 (JBP) “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in your faith, that by the power of the Holy Spirit, your whole life and outlook may be radiant with hope.”  Let me know that the wall will fall when You are ready.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.

1 Samuel 17:45-50, 52-54 MSG. David answered, “You come at me with sword and spear and battle-ax. I come at you in the name of GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God of Israel’s troops, whom you curse and mock. This very day GOD is handing you over to me. I’m about to kill you, cut off your head, and serve up your body and the bodies of your Philistine buddies to the crows and coyotes. The whole earth will know that there’s an extraordinary God in Israel. And everyone gathered here will learn that GOD doesn’t save by means of sword or spear. The battle belongs to GOD —he’s handing you to us on a platter!”  That roused the Philistine, and he started toward David. David took off from the front line, running toward the Philistine. David reached into his pocket for a stone, slung it, and hit the Philistine hard in the forehead, embedding the stone deeply. The Philistine crashed, facedown in the dirt.  That’s how David beat the Philistine—with a sling and a stone. He hit him and killed him. No sword for David! …

The men of Israel and Judah were up on their feet, shouting! They chased the Philistines all the way to the outskirts of Gath and the gates of Ekron. Wounded Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road all the way to Gath and Ekron. After chasing the Philistines, the Israelites came back and looted their camp. David took the Philistine’s head and brought it to Jerusalem. But the giant’s weapons he placed in his own tent.

Observation

“…he put the Philistine’s weapons in his own tent.”  I work in Children’s Ministry, so I know this story well.  It is taught frequently and to all age groups.  No wonder as this is the story of a teenager defeating a giant, saving his countrymen (adults), and becoming the (super)hero of the day (The only thing David is missing is the cape and the “S” on his chest.)!  I am always struck by the fact that when “he (Goliath) started toward David. David took off from the front line running toward the Philistine.”  David was so sure of God and His command of this battle that he rushed toward the fight – without armor, regardless of the odds, the size of the Enemy and the imbalance in weaponry.

David became a national hero in the moment Goliath was defeated.  His victory erased the fear of the Israelites who took up the chase of the terrified and fleeing Philistines. David’s trophies for this amazing accomplishment were the head of Goliath and his huge-in-scale weapons. David gave the head to the king but kept the weapons for himself. Did he choose to keep the weapons as a reminder that it was God Who fought the battle and took the giant down?  Were these weapons a defense against being deceived by men’s praise into thinking his prowess/skill alone would win future victories? Were the weapons there as a physical reminder to remember the Lord your God and to keep him humble and submitted to the Lord in all his future battles?

Impact on Me

The Bible is God’s story, written to reveal His nature, character, intentions, commitment to and heart for us; it is the story of how He wants this relationship between us to be, what He will do on His part and how we can engage and embrace Him on ours. This story of David and Goliath talks to me about how God will show Himself strong on my behalf when I face my giants with absolute faith in His victory, running at my giant in His strength, with His plan, using His weapons to fight the battle. However, it also speaks to me of remembering always, in all things, that it was not my prowess or skill or special gifting that won the victory; it was my submission and obedience to His plan and setting my confidence in His power and might that won the battle. 

My own version of Goliath’s weapons (those answers to prayer and victories in my life) are in my tent to remind me of the giants that my God has defeated. I do this so that my hope and faith do not fail when the next giant challenges.  I confess that there are times I try on Saul’s armor (come up with my own plans that I think God should bless OR try to use someone else’s solution rather than seeking God for His OR figure that something that worked before should work now) or find tempting accepting praise for a victory, but, when I am reminded of the defeated giant’s weapons, I relinquish the battle, plan and execution to Him. He has never failed me.

Prayer

Lord, Almighty God, I give You the praise and glory for all the victories.  May I never go to battle in my own strength, using my own plan. If necessary, have me trip over the defeated giant’s weapons to bring me to my senses!  Teach me to be like David, full of confidence in You, so I will run at the giants that face me knowing that they are really only defeated by Your Word, Your power, Your might, Your promises before my first step.  I want our relationship to be so deep, wide, full, enduring, transparent that my moment-by-moment life will reveal You to others, that my answer to You will always be an unconditional YES, and that Your will and purpose will be fulfilled in my life. Make it so in the name of my Lord, Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:6-9  (MSG)  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.  8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

Colossians 3:12-14 (Phillips)  As, therefore, God’s picked representatives of the new humanity, purified and beloved of God himself, be merciful in action, kindly in heart, humble in mind. Accept life, and be most patient and tolerant with one another, always ready to forgive if you have a difference with anyone. Forgive as freely as the Lord has forgiven you. And, above everything else, be truly loving, for love is the golden chain of all the virtues.

Observation

We may think we have these scriptures down, that we have experienced the truth in them enough times to embrace it all fully, that we have overcome in this area.  More fools we!!  I am amazed at how quickly I can tumble down from a place of loving patience, tolerance and forgiveness where I thought was securely anchored into a heap of mully-grubby discontent just because circumstances were not optimal or convenient or suited what I thought I “deserved.”  We often underestimated the power of the Enemy and the sway of our flesh, and how we can be so smoothly and expertly manipulated using our human nature so we find ourselves making decisions and choices based on selfish motives rather than on the Word and Love (“the golden chain of all the virtues”). 

I know that our enemy doesn’t care whether we sin overtly or covertly – whether I sin through an action which can be seen by others or through self-righteous judgment, criticism or condemnation of another’s choices or actions that I have seen.  Both are sin and indications that we have wandered from the footsteps of Christ placed before us, the pathway of commitment, sacrifice and obedience we as followers of Christ desire to follow.  They are indications of how we have wandered from “meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly.”  We are not to condone sin but we are to remember to confront it with love, grace and redemption. I am always shocked and ashamed to recognize how quickly I can let it become all about me rather than what the Lord would have me be about, about correcting others rather than allowing the Holy Spirit to work correction in me. 

Impact on Me

So, I am committed to relearn the lesson about self-sacrifice, obedience, contentment and not letting my light be darkness.  I am ashamed to say this is not the first time I have done this.  I fully understand Paul’s description in Romans of his internal war between his sin nature and his redeemed nature.  He knows what is best to do but ends up letting his human nature make the choice anyway – whether it’s for a pity party, or taking control out of God’s hands, or setting aside gratitude for the sacrifice made for us and forgetting whose we are and whom we serve, or any other foolish choice we allow our flesh to make because it seems good, selfishly profitable or okay at the time. 

So often the choice to sin is rationalized by our pride, questioning God’s wisdom on how or where He has assigned us – I don’t deserve this or I deserve more or why me or why not me or who do they think they are to treat me like this.  While Jesus did ask in the Garden if the sacrifice of the Cross could be bypassed, He was willingly, completely, gladly submitted to do as the Father requested because He could see past the sacrifice to the glorious redeeming result – the cost was worth the benefit. I want this same perspective – willingly obedient because my trust in my Father is absolute, content in faithfulness regardless of my circumstances or current assignment, trusting that He who “makes everything work together, will work (me) into his most excellent harmonies.”

Prayer

Lord God, Father of Mercy, Teacher, Healer and Faithful Life Companion, I praise and thank You for caring for me.  When I begin to wander, pull me back on track.  Soak my perspective in “things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly.”  May my all of my life “be merciful in action, kindly in heart, humble in mind… most patient and tolerant with one another, always ready to forgive.”  Lord, I want to be worked into Your most excellent harmonies.  Make it so, in Jesus’ name.

Colossians 3:12-14 KJV   Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Colossians 3:12-14 NIV  Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians 3:12-14 MSG   So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

Observation

I have had the words “meek”and “humble” on my mind for the past few days. For years I thought they meant essentially the same thing, but never could understand why, if this was so, they would both appear in the same verse. So, I went on a search.

“Humble” is the opposite of “proud”.  Since, to me, proud means an over-developed sense of one’s own accomplishment and contribution to that success, then humble is having a clear and constant understanding that (1) God’s definition of accomplishment and success is very different from our culture’s definition, and (2) who we are, what we do and what we accomplish (our successes) must be defined by and rely upon the plan, presence, power and anointing of our God working in and through us.

“Meek” is the opposite of “pushy, self-assertive, domineering”. The word for meek (Gk. praus) is translated as “strength under control”.  “Ancient Greek war horses were trained to be meek, meaning they were strong and powerful yet under control and willing to submit” to the commands of their rider.  As you see above, “meekness” is variously translated as gentleness (the most common) and quiet strength. In our culture, gentleness or meekness are connected with weakness and becoming a doormat for those in power, avoiding conflict, giving up our rights in the face of overwhelming resistance, being a milquetoast. What a difference to associate it with strength reserved to be exercised at the right time and to the best advantage!

Impact on Me

Jesus was sent to minister to and sacrifice Himself for whosoever would come and embrace His Gospel.  He called Himself meek in the face of our repentance and submission (Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle (meek) and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Mt 11:28-30 NKJV). In the Sermon on the Mount we are told that the meek will inherit the earth.  Meekness is included as a fruit of the Spirit.  So, what do I do with all of this?

It all came together for me when I heard someone explain the two this way. Humility is knowing, living and being in sync and empowered by who you are in Christ.  Meekness is the measure of your submission to God, that quiet strength that says “yes” whether He is asking you to walk in blessing or sacrifice and persecution, being faithful when you don’t understand, responding according to the Word rather than according to your flesh or selfish desires, and, if necessary, being the doormat for someone to wipe the dirt (sin and all its fellows) off as he or she accepts Christ and enters into the presence of the Lord. Therefore, humility is not shy, unsure and retiring because Jesus was bold and confident when He faced His adversaries and when He healed the sick. Meekness is not being weak, overwhelmed and defeated; His meekness required that He boldly confront the religious leaders of the time for their hypocrisy and create chaos by overturning the merchant’s tables whose business was defiling the Temple. Jesus was no doormat to His enemies but He made Himself the doormat into Heaven for us by suffering the Cross so we could have a way to remove our sin and enter His presence .

So, I have to re-examine what Paul is teaching to the Colossians and others about building the right kind of strength in reserve and learning when to wait and when to act.  Learning to discern and refine the call on my life Jesus is making and the response it requires of me – IF I want to continue to become meek and more like Jesus. .

Prayer

Lord, God, Creator, Redeemer, Omniscient, Omnipotent, change me, make and mold me, to be that “new man” about whom Paul teaches, meek and humble so that I will completely submit myself to You so there is no hindrance to the flow of Your power and anointing in and through me. Help me to know and understand when this requires boldness and when it requires sacrifice, suffering persecution with patience and faith, or being the doormat into Heaven for another. Arrest me from reacting according to my flesh, my cultural training, when it is not also responding according to Your Word. May people come to meet and know You as they meet You in me, forgetting me but never forgetting You. Make it so, in Jesus’ name.

Colossians 1:7-12 (JB Phillips)  ^7-10 You learned these things, we understand, from Epaphras who is in the same service as we are. He is a most well-loved minister of Christ, and has your well-being very much at heart. As a matter of fact, it was from him that we heard about your growth in Christian love, so you will understand that since we heard about you we have never missed you in our prayers. We are asking God that you may see things, as it were, from his point of view by being given spiritual insight and understanding. We also pray that your outward lives, which men see, may bring credit to your master’s name, and that you may bring joy to his heart by bearing genuine Christian fruit, and that your knowledge of God may grow yet deeper.  ^11-12 As you live this new life, we pray that you will be strengthened from God’s boundless resources, so that you will find yourselves able to pass through any experience and endure it with courage. You will even be able to thank God in the midst of pain and distress because you are privileged to share the lot of those who are living in the light. 

Colossians 1:9-12 NIV   ⁹ For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, ¹⁰ so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹ being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, ¹² and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 

Observation

Colossae is a town about 100 miles east of Ephesus.  Epaphras was probably converted to Christianity under Paul’s Ephesian ministry and is thought to be the pastor of the church in Colossae.  Let us not forget that the Gospel is an entirely new message, a revolutionary life style of direct and intimate relationship with God.  Every convert – Jew or Gentile – came from some other background, some other form of religion, some other understanding of diety and its relationship with humankind.  The pagan gods were generally fickle, selfish, cruel, abusive and/or wrathful toward humankind; some gods just took no notice.   The Jewish religious leaders preached a god who was all justice and no mercy, no grace.  There were also groups, such as the Gnostics, who were twisting the Gospel to exclude Christ.

Paul prayed for these new Gentile Christians to be able to make this complete turnaround spiritually, to keep faithful to the truth of the Gospel of Christ, the One Who is the Way, the Truth and the Life, the only Savior and Redeemer.  This beautiful and powerful prayer of Paul’s rings out among all the competing religious voices, “We are asking God that you may see things, as it were, from his point of view by being given spiritual insight and understanding… that you may bring joy to his heart…”.   It all boils down to setting themselves to bring God joy in His heart by remaining faithful inwardly and in their outside lives to the truth of Christ and Him crucified.

Impact on Me

“We are asking God that you may see things, as it were, from his point of view by being given spiritual insight and understanding. We also pray that your outward lives, which men see, may bring credit to your master’s name, and that you may bring joy to his heart by bearing genuine Christian fruit, and that your knowledge of God may grow yet deeper.”  This prayer is full of whole life verses for me, especially vss. 9 & 10.  I want to be everything that Paul says and prays for these people.  These were humans who were not yet what Paul spoke over them, but were moving in the right direction in the midst of persecution and pressure to conform.  He was tilling the ground by praying what they can become, encouraging them to aspire to go deeper into relationship with Father God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. 

I want God’s heart to leap for joy because I bear the genuine Christian fruit that produces love, growth, character and fruit in others.  I want to be a well-loved minister of Christ because I put the well-being and  growth of others before my own, keeping my eye, strength and heart on accomplishing God’s goals because they are truly my own.  I want to see from His point of view so that my heart is broken for the unlovely, the untouchable, those devalued by society, those who reject God.  It is my heart’s goal to reveal Him to them through my outward life and the words He speaks through me in such a way that He is too real and too lovely to resist.  I want those I meet to remember only Christ and His Love when we part. 

Prayer & Dedication

Lord, help me to see things from Your point of view and respond in a way that brings joy to Your heart.  May I be loved by others only because they see and experience Your Love in and through me, Love which is impossible to deny, discount or resist.  I know, Lord, that this is counter intuitive for a human being with an emotional need to be approved, affirmed, recognized, so I am depending on You to help me to respond according to Your Word from my spirit, which is guided and directed by You alone, rather than my soul and my flesh, which may react in a completely human way.  I love You.  Continue to take the country of my heart, my mind, my awareness, my thoughts, my every action.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.