How much of my life is avoidance?
I go a certain way to avoid traffic. When I drove a standard car, I would go a certain way to avoid a hill, even if it meant adding 10 minutes onto my drive. It seems that I'm not the only one that does this either. It's like we are always trying to find ways to avoid the unpleasantries of life.
We avoid particular relationships because we don't want the possibility of being hurt. We will do little things like avoid having certain pets because we have allergies. Some of us avoid talking to certain people to avoid confrontations or aggravation. Are we saying we're not up for the challenge?
Don't get me wrong, I believe there is definitely something to be said for keeping yourself from a destructive relationship or situation, like an unpleasant traffic jam on the highway, or staying away from someone who adds nothing but negativity to your life. But somewhere along the line we seem to have blurred the line and are no longer allowing ourselves to be led by the Spirit. Instead we spend the majority of our time figuring a way out or a way around something or someone that we PERCEIVE to be difficult. We avoid.
James 4:7 says "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Note here that God didn't say "Avoid the devil, and he will flee from you." He says to resist the devil.
To submit ourselves to God would be to pay attention to His direction, His guidance, His words, and to follow them. We need to be led more by His Spirit than our mentality ("that's too hard", "that's too difficult", etc).
Avoid = stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something...
Resist = defy: elude, especially in a baffling way; "This behavior defies explanation"
= stand up or offer resistance to somebody or something
= protest: express opposition through action or words
= withstand the force of something
We are supposed to DEFY the devil, protest against his lies, withstand what he throws at us... In other words, we are supposed to ACT. And that seems to be the determining factor here. To avoid really implies INaction, whereas to fight and stand and protest implies opposing action. So although we can avoid situations that we feel led by the Spirit to, when we are led to STAND our ground, we must know how, be willing, and FIGHT the devil's attacks. We can't just step out of the way of Satan's attacks, or he will keep coming and coming and coming until we actually stand up, fight, declare our authority, and know who we are in God. Interesting note here... Satan's attacks most often come for our minds... strongholds are the results of us believing his lies and letting it affect our lives/actions/inactions... so it is important for us not to just fight on the front lines of battle, but also to realize that sometimes, most times, those front lines are in our minds... quite a battle we have on our hands there. I believe our hardest battles are mental ones.
We are to be soldiers of God, fighting against the devil wherever need be. We cannot avoid him so why do we work so hard to always avoid the things that are of him? What happens when we no longer pay attention to the Spirit's warnings as our guide to avoid or stand firm? What happens when we decide to just avoid it all? When do we realize that God does want us to deal with some things? And ask yourself why avoidance is so easy. Is conflict truly that hard? Is it something we honestly "just can't handle" or do we just believe that because it's what we say so very often?
Doesn't Scripture teach us that God will only give us what He says we can handle, and that He will be with us on the journey? We avoid the things in life, almost on instinct (instinct of the flesh, lies masquerading as true instinct) that have the potential to make us stronger, better, more fierce soldiers of God.
So when did we lose the ability to be truly Spirit led? Why is it so much more appealing to run away or slink away from an obstacle? Perhaps because it is easier, or maybe because of fear. But at the core, our running from any and every unpleasant situation shows our lack of faith. When we start to follow our own fleshly 'instincts' and we run from trials wherever we can, what does that say in our belief that God is our Rock, our source of peace and help and power? So why run? Why not stand and fight?
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." - Ephesians 6:12.
We can fight in silence, prayer, unchanging beliefs, unwavering faith. We can also fight in words and wisdom and truth and love. But how can we have faith in the Almighty One but run from the battles He calls us to fight? Have we lost belief in His ability to deliver us?
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4
A shepherd's rod was a piece of wood often carried as a means of defense, to fight off any intruding animals and protect his flock, for whom he would die. The staff was the crooked stick used to corral the sheep and to pull back in the ones who strayed. The shepherd led the sheep, and never astray. The sheep knew their shepherd by both the staff and the sound of his voice.
John 10:27 says: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me." The staff signifies this man as the leader for the sheep. The rod reminds all that this shepherd would die for the flock that follows him. These items, one of defense and love, and the other of guidance and help, are our hope in times of darkness. When we fight a battle, we fight with our Shepherd, who has already given His life for us. Why are we then so hesitant to fight for Him? Why are we so quick to run in the other direction, and avoid whatever comes our way?
The valley of the shadow of death is a dark place. Often in life we have highs and lows, and many lows feel dark and deserted, much like the 'valley of the shadow of death'. Note it does not say "Valley of death". God never sends us into a valley of death, because Jesus already battled hell to return with the keys to the kingdom:
"When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades." (Revelation 1:17-18)
Our low points are often clouded in shadow of death. Dark places where death surrounds, death of the spirit is easy in a low time in life... where we can easily lose hope, faith, love, and everything that connects us to our beliefs and our God. During these valleys in life, these dark places, do we turn around? Do we back away, running with tail between our legs? Or do we recall that our Shepherd will lead us THROUGH? Jesus already battled death, and defeated it long ago. He waits for us on the other side, and yet He still leads us with His staff to show His sheep the way. We know Him by His voice - the voice of the Holy Spirit. We are comforted by His staff, His tool of direction, also the Holy Spirit. If Jesus went to the depths and conquered death to get the keys to the kingdom, our keys to the kingdom, then we can walk through the low points, through the valleys of shadow. We can walk through the areas when death is on all sides of us, but because He has already defeated death, it cannot hurt us, or kill our spirits, as long as we follow our Shepherd.
When we emerge on the other side of the valley, having followed only the sound of our shepherd's voice and His staff (Holy Spirit)... it is as if we have defeated death again. And again. And again. Every bad situation offers two options, defeat or success. The Shepherd brings success and dominance. We can give in to this spiritual death, and run to avoid the battles that signify our strength and progression, or we can emerge behind our Shepherd, completely protected by his rod, guided by His staff. And we will know fully who we are, whose we are, having been strengthened, having endured, having been led. One of our keys to the kingdom is this identity in knowing whom we belong to. Another is being led by our Shepherd's staff, the Holy Spirit, at all times.
Lastly, God says that the battle is His in 2 Chronicles 20:15: "He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's." God has already fought all of our battles, and it's not like our God to lose. He has fought and won, so is it truly that hard for us to 'walk through the valley', to walk through the battle, following the voice of our Shepherd? We must exercise faith and trust in Him and follow His voice. This is when we win the battle.
After all... a shadow only makes something LOOK intimidating...
So perhaps avoidance isn't all it's cracked up to be.
April 28, 2008
April 10, 2008
Psalm 55
To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments.[a] A Contemplation[b] of David.
– I did a little research online to find out about this “contemplation” business. I wasn’t sure what it meant, but it gave the Hebrew word ‘maschil’, so I looked it up and found it to mean ‘understanding or wisdom’. Funny that our definition of contemplation is:
-Contemplation comes from the latin root templum (from Greek temnein: to cut or divide), and means to separate something from its environment, and to enclose it in a sector. Contemplation is the Latin translation of Greek 'theory' (theoria)
- In a religious sense, the practice of meditation on spiritual matters.
The Hebrew word suggests that this is wisdom or understanding, yet based on our definition it means really to ponder, meditate, and separate (perhaps) truth from fiction… I think that might someday be something to really expand on and research, but for now I will assume it should really just be… “Communication from David to God” because all the Psalms seem to be that way, David’s worship/communications with God.
1 Give ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication. 2 Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily,
This shows David crying out to God… his first request is almost begging – that God will listen and hear him. When we pray to God, our sometimes unmentioned first request is the same – that He listens to us. Otherwise, why would we pray, right? It is important for us to remember that in our right relationship with Him, and often times when we aren’t in right relationship… He hears us. Our initial request – that He hears us and listens – is always answered. Perhaps His answers come differently than we want them to, but He hears and He answers. Even no answer is an answer…
Garth Brooks says in one of his songs… “Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers. Remember when youre talkin to the man upstairs, That just because he doesnt answer doesnt mean he dont care. Some of gods greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.”
The interesting thing here… I think it’s very wrong. I think what’s missed here (of course, being secular music) is that even NO answer is an answer… it is just often an answer of NO.
NO answer = an answer of NO. But it is important to remember, that He always hears, listens, and answers. Are we listening for his answer like David did?
2 Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily,
It was important for me to recognize that David used the word ‘complaint’ in this verse. I had to sit there and ask myself – David complained??? And he did. He cried out to God and told him the issue, which usually takes the form of complaint. God doesn’t answer him and say it’s wrong to complain. I think complaint somewhere lost it’s meaning, lost the translation. In David’s complaint, he is informing God of the problem, and why it’s a problem. He’s not wallowing in self-pity, and he’s not spending this whole time speaking with God in complaints about what’s wrong. He explains it, and he moves on. Notice the last verse: 23 “But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days;But I will trust in You.”
Even though he was upset, and he cried out to God, sharing his complaint, he still showed faith and trust in God… it didn’t matter what his enemy (or friend in this case) had done to him, he still turned it over to God, and he ends the chapter there… why? Why end there? Because no matter what, it is only important that we truly trust Him, and David says in what I believe to be his message to us… “here, remember what I’m saying here, see that although these bad things are going on and I’m not afraid to complain, I still trust my LORD…”
3 Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked;For they bring down trouble upon me, And in wrath they hate me.
4 My heart is severely pained within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
5 Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me.
6 So I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.
7 Indeed, I would wander far off, And remain in the wilderness. Selah
8 I would hasten my escape From the windy storm and tempest.”
9 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city.
10 Day and night they go around it on its walls; Iniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it.
11 Destruction is in its midst; Oppression and deceit do not depart from its streets.
12 For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him.
13 But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance.
14 We took sweet counsel together, And walked to the house of God in the throng.
15 Let death seize them; Let them go down alive into hell, For wickedness is in their dwellings and among them.
16 As for me, I will call upon God, And the LORD shall save me.
David shows confidence and faith and resolve. He knows that God – YAHWEH – will save him. No matter how bad the situation was… and this was obviously hard for him… we still need to show faith in Him like David did.
17 Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice.
David recognizes the answer to his first request – God will hear him. David knows it, and reiterates it because he has resolve and confidence that his LORD will hear him. We need this resolve!
18 He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, For there were many against me.
Peace! God gave David peace even through the battle that WAS against him. Why ‘WAS’? Because God worked through David to work through the battle. The battle never lasts forever. God will walk us through it, and He will give us PEACE!
19 God will hear, and afflict them, Even He who abides from of old. Selah. Because they do not change, Therefore they do not fear God.
20 He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has broken his covenant.
David’s friend betrayed him. His friend worked to destroy David’s peace. The enemy tries to break down our peace in Jesus. He tries to take our focus off of Him and put it on the things around us, the troubles, the hardships. But where we lack peace, we can cry out to Him and He will give it back (see verse 18 to refresh!) to us and see us through.
21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.
David’s friend spoke words appealing while war was in his heart. His words were soft, but were as sharp weapons of destruction. We can’t just believe what we see (a ‘friend’) or hear (‘sweet words’) because what is in the man’s heart is what matters. This shows yet again why it is SO important for us to be led by the Spirit, because the Spirit can reveal when there is danger.
22 Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
When we cast our cares, our burden, on Him, He will provide us with everything we need to hold us over until the storm has passed. To sustain means to “hold: be the physical support of; carry the weight of”. He will provide for us, hold us up, until the trial has passed. If we are righteous, He will not let us be moved. Our feet, shod in the preparation of the Gospel of peace, shall not run, but will stand confident, firm, protected.
23 But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in You.
David was confident in God and His abilities. It wasn’t ‘Oh God would you mind please doing me this one little favor?’. It was assured, confident, knowing. David knew God, what He was capable of, what He would do. It is so important for us to know our God like David knew Him…
David speaks of God’s power… that He can destroy the wicked, and then says that he trusts the Lord. Trust… David knows that although God has ultimate power and could destroy even him at any time, He will act to bring glory to Himself. He will act out of love, righteousness, and justness.
"When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon my heart
I will dance like David danced
When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon my heart
I will pray like David prayed
When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon my heart
I will sing like David sang"
To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments.[a] A Contemplation[b] of David.
– I did a little research online to find out about this “contemplation” business. I wasn’t sure what it meant, but it gave the Hebrew word ‘maschil’, so I looked it up and found it to mean ‘understanding or wisdom’. Funny that our definition of contemplation is:
-Contemplation comes from the latin root templum (from Greek temnein: to cut or divide), and means to separate something from its environment, and to enclose it in a sector. Contemplation is the Latin translation of Greek 'theory' (theoria)
- In a religious sense, the practice of meditation on spiritual matters.
The Hebrew word suggests that this is wisdom or understanding, yet based on our definition it means really to ponder, meditate, and separate (perhaps) truth from fiction… I think that might someday be something to really expand on and research, but for now I will assume it should really just be… “Communication from David to God” because all the Psalms seem to be that way, David’s worship/communications with God.
1 Give ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication. 2 Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily,
This shows David crying out to God… his first request is almost begging – that God will listen and hear him. When we pray to God, our sometimes unmentioned first request is the same – that He listens to us. Otherwise, why would we pray, right? It is important for us to remember that in our right relationship with Him, and often times when we aren’t in right relationship… He hears us. Our initial request – that He hears us and listens – is always answered. Perhaps His answers come differently than we want them to, but He hears and He answers. Even no answer is an answer…
Garth Brooks says in one of his songs… “Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers. Remember when youre talkin to the man upstairs, That just because he doesnt answer doesnt mean he dont care. Some of gods greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.”
The interesting thing here… I think it’s very wrong. I think what’s missed here (of course, being secular music) is that even NO answer is an answer… it is just often an answer of NO.
NO answer = an answer of NO. But it is important to remember, that He always hears, listens, and answers. Are we listening for his answer like David did?
2 Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily,
It was important for me to recognize that David used the word ‘complaint’ in this verse. I had to sit there and ask myself – David complained??? And he did. He cried out to God and told him the issue, which usually takes the form of complaint. God doesn’t answer him and say it’s wrong to complain. I think complaint somewhere lost it’s meaning, lost the translation. In David’s complaint, he is informing God of the problem, and why it’s a problem. He’s not wallowing in self-pity, and he’s not spending this whole time speaking with God in complaints about what’s wrong. He explains it, and he moves on. Notice the last verse: 23 “But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days;But I will trust in You.”
Even though he was upset, and he cried out to God, sharing his complaint, he still showed faith and trust in God… it didn’t matter what his enemy (or friend in this case) had done to him, he still turned it over to God, and he ends the chapter there… why? Why end there? Because no matter what, it is only important that we truly trust Him, and David says in what I believe to be his message to us… “here, remember what I’m saying here, see that although these bad things are going on and I’m not afraid to complain, I still trust my LORD…”
3 Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked;For they bring down trouble upon me, And in wrath they hate me.
4 My heart is severely pained within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
5 Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me.
6 So I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.
7 Indeed, I would wander far off, And remain in the wilderness. Selah
8 I would hasten my escape From the windy storm and tempest.”
9 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city.
10 Day and night they go around it on its walls; Iniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it.
11 Destruction is in its midst; Oppression and deceit do not depart from its streets.
12 For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him.
13 But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance.
14 We took sweet counsel together, And walked to the house of God in the throng.
15 Let death seize them; Let them go down alive into hell, For wickedness is in their dwellings and among them.
16 As for me, I will call upon God, And the LORD shall save me.
David shows confidence and faith and resolve. He knows that God – YAHWEH – will save him. No matter how bad the situation was… and this was obviously hard for him… we still need to show faith in Him like David did.
17 Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice.
David recognizes the answer to his first request – God will hear him. David knows it, and reiterates it because he has resolve and confidence that his LORD will hear him. We need this resolve!
18 He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, For there were many against me.
Peace! God gave David peace even through the battle that WAS against him. Why ‘WAS’? Because God worked through David to work through the battle. The battle never lasts forever. God will walk us through it, and He will give us PEACE!
19 God will hear, and afflict them, Even He who abides from of old. Selah. Because they do not change, Therefore they do not fear God.
20 He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has broken his covenant.
David’s friend betrayed him. His friend worked to destroy David’s peace. The enemy tries to break down our peace in Jesus. He tries to take our focus off of Him and put it on the things around us, the troubles, the hardships. But where we lack peace, we can cry out to Him and He will give it back (see verse 18 to refresh!) to us and see us through.
21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.
David’s friend spoke words appealing while war was in his heart. His words were soft, but were as sharp weapons of destruction. We can’t just believe what we see (a ‘friend’) or hear (‘sweet words’) because what is in the man’s heart is what matters. This shows yet again why it is SO important for us to be led by the Spirit, because the Spirit can reveal when there is danger.
22 Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
When we cast our cares, our burden, on Him, He will provide us with everything we need to hold us over until the storm has passed. To sustain means to “hold: be the physical support of; carry the weight of”. He will provide for us, hold us up, until the trial has passed. If we are righteous, He will not let us be moved. Our feet, shod in the preparation of the Gospel of peace, shall not run, but will stand confident, firm, protected.
23 But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in You.
David was confident in God and His abilities. It wasn’t ‘Oh God would you mind please doing me this one little favor?’. It was assured, confident, knowing. David knew God, what He was capable of, what He would do. It is so important for us to know our God like David knew Him…
David speaks of God’s power… that He can destroy the wicked, and then says that he trusts the Lord. Trust… David knows that although God has ultimate power and could destroy even him at any time, He will act to bring glory to Himself. He will act out of love, righteousness, and justness.
"When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon my heart
I will dance like David danced
When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon my heart
I will pray like David prayed
When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon my heart
I will sing like David sang"
April 09, 2008
An Element of Armor
Ephesians 6:10-20 (Written by Paul)
The Whole Armor of God 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[c] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
I was just sitting down, really sore, so I was just hunched over trying to be comfortable for a few minutes. And I’m staring at my feet. And this scripture pops into my head… “and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace”. So I started to contemplate this meaning… and began to break it down and help it to be processed in my mind, to further understand it.
*To shod your feet – means to put shoes on them, to put on your feet some kind of protection against the elements.
*With the preparation – Prepare yourself! This isn’t a command to use this part of the spiritual armor as the ‘actual gospel’ on your feet… but instead, prepare yourself. Be studied. Be read in the Word. Read it, pray to understand it, study it, hide it in your heart and be ready to use it. Understand the gospel, know the message of peace, have it in you, let it guide you.
*Of the gospel – The gospel is the ‘good news’ about Jesus and His life.
*Of peace – Interesting. Here he’s urging us to know the good news of peace. God offers peace to everyone, and especially us who believe that through Him we know with certainty that He has a plan. If all things will work for His glory, and His eye is on us as it is on the sparrow, then in this, in His love and promises, we can have peace and know we are not alone, we are loved by our Creator. I think this is very important.
Interesting that Paul should talk here about us having planted our feet in the protection of the good news of peace, especially when you are talking about armor, armor used in battle. This is about spiritual battle, no doubt. But why peace? Why not confidence or power or strength? Perhaps because our confidence comes through peace. When we know that God ‘has our back’, then we have confidence in anything He calls us to do – we can go out to battle, any battle, and know that He is watching us, He is with us, He will work through us to fight our battles. Our power comes through our peace in Him. When we are confident that He is there, when we are sure of our relationship with Him, our love from and for Him… then we have all of the power bestowed upon us by Him, which is all. We essentially have the same powers that Jesus had when He was here on earth… the only reason we often don’t act the same way, don’t perform the same miracles, and more… is because our relationship with our father is not nearly as close and intimate as the one Jesus had with Him. (When you consider Jesus came as a limited man, then you realize He could not have done these things without this relationship).
Lastly, our strength is in His peace as well. Through this confidence in Him, confidence in our relationship with Him, our power through Him, we can also find strength – knowing that we can withstand ANY battle as long as we turn to Him, let Him fight through us, etc.
So we need to understand the good news, the gospel, of peace. With this peace we can find confidence, power, and strength. With this Word of peace inside our hearts, we also have it there to share with others at any time He deems necessary. Now that I feel I understand that part, let me move on.
Why do we put this message, this gospel, of peace on our feet? Why not the breastplate? Why not just in our hearts? Why not as protection for our minds against the devil’s strongholds?Because even in the worst battles, in the worst conflicts, in the worst situations… it is our feet that must be solid, reserved, with resolve to movement or stability. Our feet are what lead us into battle. What good would they be unprotected? They could help us flee. They could turn us right around and get us right out of the battle. We need strength, power, confidence, and peace of spirit to give our feet the wherewithal to take that next step, or to stand firm. Notice in verse 14 it says “stand therefore”. It doesn’t say run away, and it doesn’t say sit down. Perhaps in that case it would be our butts covered in the preparation of the gospel of peace. But we’re not meant to be sitting, or lying, down. We’re to be standing, ready for battle, planted with resolve to not back down from the enemy. Right? In his conversation regarding this armor, Paul’s very first instruction is to “stand”, not sit. And look at verse 19: “that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel”. This further drives home the idea that we best have this gospel buried in our hearts. We need to know this message of peace, we need to STAND FIRM IN IT… because what good is knowing the gospel and having the boldness to speak the gospel if our feet are running us away from the battle? And still, it all comes back to our feet, the tool that holds us firm in the battle, that has the power to move forward, to stand firm, or to run away. With the preparedness of the message of peace in Him… why run? Our feet, through this message, KNOW to stand firm, and there is no confusion. With our feet shod with resolve of peace, and with the message of peace – we can then fight with our mouths, boldly making known the mystery of the gospel, boldly sharing with the enemy the words of He who fights our battles through us, boldly sharing with unbelievers the message, and always boldly sharing this message of the gospel with ourselves, to remind ourselves daily of the peace that we must have.
In the end, perhaps some other concept might be okay to shod our feet in… truth, righteousness, faith… and of course they would be powerful in their own way, but God has a purpose for this…and personally I’d rather my mode of transportation TO the battle, IN the battle, or FROM the battle... the part of my body that works to hold the rest of me up, that has the most pressure upon it... know resolve and determination, and be protected firmly through the peace that only He provides.
The Whole Armor of God 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[c] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
I was just sitting down, really sore, so I was just hunched over trying to be comfortable for a few minutes. And I’m staring at my feet. And this scripture pops into my head… “and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace”. So I started to contemplate this meaning… and began to break it down and help it to be processed in my mind, to further understand it.
*To shod your feet – means to put shoes on them, to put on your feet some kind of protection against the elements.
*With the preparation – Prepare yourself! This isn’t a command to use this part of the spiritual armor as the ‘actual gospel’ on your feet… but instead, prepare yourself. Be studied. Be read in the Word. Read it, pray to understand it, study it, hide it in your heart and be ready to use it. Understand the gospel, know the message of peace, have it in you, let it guide you.
*Of the gospel – The gospel is the ‘good news’ about Jesus and His life.
*Of peace – Interesting. Here he’s urging us to know the good news of peace. God offers peace to everyone, and especially us who believe that through Him we know with certainty that He has a plan. If all things will work for His glory, and His eye is on us as it is on the sparrow, then in this, in His love and promises, we can have peace and know we are not alone, we are loved by our Creator. I think this is very important.
Interesting that Paul should talk here about us having planted our feet in the protection of the good news of peace, especially when you are talking about armor, armor used in battle. This is about spiritual battle, no doubt. But why peace? Why not confidence or power or strength? Perhaps because our confidence comes through peace. When we know that God ‘has our back’, then we have confidence in anything He calls us to do – we can go out to battle, any battle, and know that He is watching us, He is with us, He will work through us to fight our battles. Our power comes through our peace in Him. When we are confident that He is there, when we are sure of our relationship with Him, our love from and for Him… then we have all of the power bestowed upon us by Him, which is all. We essentially have the same powers that Jesus had when He was here on earth… the only reason we often don’t act the same way, don’t perform the same miracles, and more… is because our relationship with our father is not nearly as close and intimate as the one Jesus had with Him. (When you consider Jesus came as a limited man, then you realize He could not have done these things without this relationship).
Lastly, our strength is in His peace as well. Through this confidence in Him, confidence in our relationship with Him, our power through Him, we can also find strength – knowing that we can withstand ANY battle as long as we turn to Him, let Him fight through us, etc.
So we need to understand the good news, the gospel, of peace. With this peace we can find confidence, power, and strength. With this Word of peace inside our hearts, we also have it there to share with others at any time He deems necessary. Now that I feel I understand that part, let me move on.
Why do we put this message, this gospel, of peace on our feet? Why not the breastplate? Why not just in our hearts? Why not as protection for our minds against the devil’s strongholds?Because even in the worst battles, in the worst conflicts, in the worst situations… it is our feet that must be solid, reserved, with resolve to movement or stability. Our feet are what lead us into battle. What good would they be unprotected? They could help us flee. They could turn us right around and get us right out of the battle. We need strength, power, confidence, and peace of spirit to give our feet the wherewithal to take that next step, or to stand firm. Notice in verse 14 it says “stand therefore”. It doesn’t say run away, and it doesn’t say sit down. Perhaps in that case it would be our butts covered in the preparation of the gospel of peace. But we’re not meant to be sitting, or lying, down. We’re to be standing, ready for battle, planted with resolve to not back down from the enemy. Right? In his conversation regarding this armor, Paul’s very first instruction is to “stand”, not sit. And look at verse 19: “that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel”. This further drives home the idea that we best have this gospel buried in our hearts. We need to know this message of peace, we need to STAND FIRM IN IT… because what good is knowing the gospel and having the boldness to speak the gospel if our feet are running us away from the battle? And still, it all comes back to our feet, the tool that holds us firm in the battle, that has the power to move forward, to stand firm, or to run away. With the preparedness of the message of peace in Him… why run? Our feet, through this message, KNOW to stand firm, and there is no confusion. With our feet shod with resolve of peace, and with the message of peace – we can then fight with our mouths, boldly making known the mystery of the gospel, boldly sharing with the enemy the words of He who fights our battles through us, boldly sharing with unbelievers the message, and always boldly sharing this message of the gospel with ourselves, to remind ourselves daily of the peace that we must have.
In the end, perhaps some other concept might be okay to shod our feet in… truth, righteousness, faith… and of course they would be powerful in their own way, but God has a purpose for this…and personally I’d rather my mode of transportation TO the battle, IN the battle, or FROM the battle... the part of my body that works to hold the rest of me up, that has the most pressure upon it... know resolve and determination, and be protected firmly through the peace that only He provides.
April 04, 2008
Ezekiel 3
Continuing the journey...
Ezekiel 3:1-3 - Moreover He said to me, "Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel." So I opened my mouth, and He caused me to eat that scroll. And He said to me, "Son of man, feed your belly, and fill your stomach with this scroll that I give you." So I ate, and it was in my mouth like honey in sweetness.
God had Ezekiel eat the scroll to signify becoming one - the prophet had to accept the Word, taking it into himself and knowing it. It must become part of the prophet's life and being. In essence it really reinforces the idea that in order to be good prophets or witnesses for God we really need to know His Word. If we don't thoroughly know it (and have it hidden in our hearts) then it would be like going to battle without armor or weapons. Sure we've gone, in faith no doubt, but we haven't properly prepared ourselves, and that is just as important as going itself.
Vs 7: But the house of Israel will not listen to you, because they will not listen to Me; for all the house of Israel are impudent and hard-hearted.
God says that His people (the people of Israel that He is desperate to reach) are hard-hearted and will NOT listen to Ezekiel. But God still wants Ezekiel to go. He still sends Him out there to speak to them. Perhaps on the one side, this is another attempt in a long line of attempts on God's part to get their attention and repentance... it could be attempt #25 of 752 attempts. (If this idea interests you, read "The Shack" - it's amazing!) But also I think that being a prophet for God and witness to others is just as much about the prophet/witness following the orders of God, following their calling and His Word regardless of what He's calling them to do... as it is about the people whom God wants repentance from. It is about the prophet's/witness's growth, obedience, revelation, and reassurance that God is who He says He is - our provider (He will provide us with strength, courage, and the words to speak...).
Ezekiel 3:1-3 - Moreover He said to me, "Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel." So I opened my mouth, and He caused me to eat that scroll. And He said to me, "Son of man, feed your belly, and fill your stomach with this scroll that I give you." So I ate, and it was in my mouth like honey in sweetness.
God had Ezekiel eat the scroll to signify becoming one - the prophet had to accept the Word, taking it into himself and knowing it. It must become part of the prophet's life and being. In essence it really reinforces the idea that in order to be good prophets or witnesses for God we really need to know His Word. If we don't thoroughly know it (and have it hidden in our hearts) then it would be like going to battle without armor or weapons. Sure we've gone, in faith no doubt, but we haven't properly prepared ourselves, and that is just as important as going itself.
Vs 7: But the house of Israel will not listen to you, because they will not listen to Me; for all the house of Israel are impudent and hard-hearted.
God says that His people (the people of Israel that He is desperate to reach) are hard-hearted and will NOT listen to Ezekiel. But God still wants Ezekiel to go. He still sends Him out there to speak to them. Perhaps on the one side, this is another attempt in a long line of attempts on God's part to get their attention and repentance... it could be attempt #25 of 752 attempts. (If this idea interests you, read "The Shack" - it's amazing!) But also I think that being a prophet for God and witness to others is just as much about the prophet/witness following the orders of God, following their calling and His Word regardless of what He's calling them to do... as it is about the people whom God wants repentance from. It is about the prophet's/witness's growth, obedience, revelation, and reassurance that God is who He says He is - our provider (He will provide us with strength, courage, and the words to speak...).
Vs 12: Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a great thunderous voice: "Blessed is the glory of the LORD from His place!"
This reiterates what it said in the last chapter... "the Spirit lifted me up". I think it is so important to be repeated here because it is giving the clear indication that this isn't at all about Ezekiel's strength, but God's. It shows that he is being led by the Spirit alone, which is most important when we are faced with the calling of witnessing to others.
Vs 14: So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.
The part I love about this is the phrase "and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit". At first I had the notion that perhaps Ezekiel was bitter about having to leave and being guided away from (perhaps) something else he would rather do.
But then I began thinking about it more. And I realized that's not what it's about, because it makes no sense to be bitter when the Spirit of God is inside you. But that was the key - the Spirit was inside of Ezekiel. This bitterness & heat he refers to, I believe, refers to the righteous anger of the Lord towards His people... The Lord was angered by their sin and lack of repentance, and because it was His Spirit that was inhabiting Ezekiel, Ezekiel's own spirit becamed bitter and heated. That tells me that we will know when we are dealing with righteous anger when we definitely have His Spirit dwelling in us, and are angered by other's sin... not trivial things that our humanity gets angered about.
But then I began thinking about it more. And I realized that's not what it's about, because it makes no sense to be bitter when the Spirit of God is inside you. But that was the key - the Spirit was inside of Ezekiel. This bitterness & heat he refers to, I believe, refers to the righteous anger of the Lord towards His people... The Lord was angered by their sin and lack of repentance, and because it was His Spirit that was inhabiting Ezekiel, Ezekiel's own spirit becamed bitter and heated. That tells me that we will know when we are dealing with righteous anger when we definitely have His Spirit dwelling in us, and are angered by other's sin... not trivial things that our humanity gets angered about.
Vs 15: Then I came to the captives at Tel Abib, who dwelt by the River Chebar; and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.
Ezekiel sat around with these people. It could signify the traditional amount of time in mourning for the dead, but I think we're given a picture here that is important... that Ezekiel was brought by the Spirit to this place and then he just sits down. Maybe he didn't feel the moving of the Spirit to speak again. But maybe he was scared, apprehensive about speaking out. Either way, how well could that work? God sends you somewhere to speak to His people to turn from their sin and repent, and you sit around silent just relaxing with them?
Vs 17: "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me:"
Ezekiel was called by God, a watchman. No, not a repairer of the Rolex, but a watchman. In these days a watchman was a guard who would keep watch, one who was often a sentinel on the city walls or hilltops... They would watch for weather, intruders, and the like. Sometimes a watchman would stay out in the fields for weeks at a time watching the crops to be sure that they were not stolen by anyone.
When they would see something of trouble, a storm perhaps, or intruders, he would be the early warning system for the people. Spiritually, a watchman was to warn and guide people spiritually. He was to warn of sins and the need to repent. He was also there to proclaim the good news about the paths of salvation.
God calls Ezekiel a watchman because he was sent to warn the people about the destructive path that their sins were leading them to. He was to tell them about how important it was that they repent and change their ways, turning to God.
Which makes me think... then what was he doing sitting around? In all reality it is much easier to sit around, among the people who are headed straight to destruction... much easer than speaking out against what they do, and facing the possibility of being shunned or worse. But if a watchman on the city walls just sat there when the storm came in, or when an enemy approached, then no one would be prepared or warned. The people would have no hope because they hadn't been told.
The strongest muscle in our body is sometimes the hardest to use, isn't it?
Vs 17-21: "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: When I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul. Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; also you will have delivered your soul."
This part was really heavy for me. I had always imagined that it wasn't good for you to ignore a calling or touch of the Spirit, to witness to someone... to speak God's Word to sinners (His people!!), but I had never really seen it in black and white like this. This much I couldn't ignore. It is the prophet's - the witness's - responsibility to speak truth and light to the people, to a particular person, to whomever we have been called to speak to. He, or she, has an obligation and condemns himself if he doesn't. How heavy is that?! The idea that ignoring these opportunities and pushes from the Spirit could sacrifice our very souls... wow. The punishment is the prophet's soul. If that isn't the steepest price to pay for refusing to use that 'strong muscle' then I don't know what is!
And how often are we so lax about it? How often we find it OH so easy to use that muscle for trouble, for chastisement, for reprimand, for meanness and sarcasm and anger... but when called upon to use it for the good of His people... of their souls... of the Kingdom... and all of a sudden we clam up. Nice one, human!
Our job is easy... if the Spirit has inclined us to speak, to witness... and often it has for the majority of us somewhere, sometime... our job is merely to warn of the impending danger. To say... "LOOK OUT FOR THE BUS!!" "GET OUT OF THE ROAD!!"
How hard is it... really? And if it is... WHY?
Vs 20: "and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die"
To me this speaks very clearly that God WILL lay stumbling blocks in the way of the righteous. At the very least, I believe he will allow the enemy to lay them for sure. Not only are these stumbling blocks in the way of the righteous as a test to the righteous man or woman themselves, but also to test the prophet - "will you speak?"
Vs 20: "But his blood I will require at your hand"
Ouch. Our silence is just as bad as if we rose against this person and killed them, because in the end, their blood is on our hands. You try washing off that stain when you stand before God.
Vs 24: "Then the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet, and spoke with me and said to me: "Go, shut yourself inside your house."
Here again the Spirit enters him and 'sets him on his feet'. The Spirit is the one to get Ezekiel moving again, getting his body in gear. Note the Spirit inhabits him again when He speaks to him which says perhaps Ezekiel's own words were talking to him, but from the Spirit Himself...
And on the idea that the Spirit can inhabit us... it is only logical to deduce that the evil spirits can do the same should we let them. Just confirmation that people can, in fact, be home to evil spirits who work through them... the sad part is that they rarely realize it.
And on the idea that the Spirit can inhabit us... it is only logical to deduce that the evil spirits can do the same should we let them. Just confirmation that people can, in fact, be home to evil spirits who work through them... the sad part is that they rarely realize it.
Vs 24-27
Ezekiel was afflicted (by God) with muteness until the fall of Jerusalem (33:21-22) except for brief periods when God commanded him to speak.
April 03, 2008
My Journey Through Ezekiel
For some reason I've felt led to start studying the Bible in an attempt to learn more, to dig deep, to get to know the Lord better... and so I prayed about where to start, and was led to start with Ezekiel...
I'll add my notes and thoughts as I go through, one chapter per day...
Ezekiel 2:2 - "Then the Spirit entered me when He spoke to me, and set me on my feet; and I heard Him who spoke to me."
I find it interesting that he says "The Spirit entered me when He spoke to me..." - Because He is already in us, He often uses His words coming out of our mouths to give even US revelation. Interesting that I have been seeing that recently, that I often say things and then have to wonder where it came from, and realize the revelation it can give not only me, but others around me as well...
Also, he says "...and set me on my feet..." and I know in it's context God is preparing him, speaking to him, to go out and tell His children that they have been rebellious and to turn to Him... I just think it's interesting that He didn't let Ezekiel sit or relax, but that He had him stand on his feet, as in preparation to move... which just brings to mind that He doesn't want us to hide what He tells us and hoard it for ourselves, but to share it with others, and to GO OUT, to get up on our feet, and go spread His Word wherever we go... just interesting notes.
Also, in this one chapter, the words rebelled/rebellious combined appear 7 times in a mere 9 verses. God was truly telling Ezekiel that he was going into the thick of it with a very rebellious people. He even warns Ezekiel and tells him that it is likely that most will not listen because they are a very rebellious people. Interesting to note here that sometimes God doesn't send us in to "tend flock", to preach to those who already believe or to those who are passive, but often times it is to those who will not listen, will not heed His Word, and will perhaps condemn he who preaches.
Ezekiel 2: 6-8 - "And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house. You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious."
I think that Scripture reminds us that we go in to battle fields. We don't always get sent into quiet and passive and gentle people's lands to speak to them. But sometimes He sends us in to 'dwell among scorpions'. Perhaps that is why Ezekiel is said to be a much more straight forward prophet using harsher/more graphic language. It also lets us be aware of our surroundings... tells us that we shouldn't assume that just because we are speaking His words that they will be received in peace. It is not only possible that those hearing it will not only dislike us, but perhaps will threaten our very well being (scorpions aren't nice after all, they work to deliver a sometimes deadly sting...). Perhaps in some manner of perspective, we are called where we are at present to 'dwell among scorpions'...
I'll add my notes and thoughts as I go through, one chapter per day...
Ezekiel 2:2 - "Then the Spirit entered me when He spoke to me, and set me on my feet; and I heard Him who spoke to me."
I find it interesting that he says "The Spirit entered me when He spoke to me..." - Because He is already in us, He often uses His words coming out of our mouths to give even US revelation. Interesting that I have been seeing that recently, that I often say things and then have to wonder where it came from, and realize the revelation it can give not only me, but others around me as well...
Also, he says "...and set me on my feet..." and I know in it's context God is preparing him, speaking to him, to go out and tell His children that they have been rebellious and to turn to Him... I just think it's interesting that He didn't let Ezekiel sit or relax, but that He had him stand on his feet, as in preparation to move... which just brings to mind that He doesn't want us to hide what He tells us and hoard it for ourselves, but to share it with others, and to GO OUT, to get up on our feet, and go spread His Word wherever we go... just interesting notes.
Also, in this one chapter, the words rebelled/rebellious combined appear 7 times in a mere 9 verses. God was truly telling Ezekiel that he was going into the thick of it with a very rebellious people. He even warns Ezekiel and tells him that it is likely that most will not listen because they are a very rebellious people. Interesting to note here that sometimes God doesn't send us in to "tend flock", to preach to those who already believe or to those who are passive, but often times it is to those who will not listen, will not heed His Word, and will perhaps condemn he who preaches.
Ezekiel 2: 6-8 - "And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house. You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious."
I think that Scripture reminds us that we go in to battle fields. We don't always get sent into quiet and passive and gentle people's lands to speak to them. But sometimes He sends us in to 'dwell among scorpions'. Perhaps that is why Ezekiel is said to be a much more straight forward prophet using harsher/more graphic language. It also lets us be aware of our surroundings... tells us that we shouldn't assume that just because we are speaking His words that they will be received in peace. It is not only possible that those hearing it will not only dislike us, but perhaps will threaten our very well being (scorpions aren't nice after all, they work to deliver a sometimes deadly sting...). Perhaps in some manner of perspective, we are called where we are at present to 'dwell among scorpions'...
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