What sort of lead do you give ...

I wonder if you concur with me, this is a tough reading and call by Joab?

A bit of background, ever so briefly. Absalom has raised up for himself an army, ever so deceitfully and tactfully, against his own father, the king, David. A battle takes place and Absalom is killed. But here's the thing, David is torn between the victory that is his in the defeat of an enemy, albeit his son, and the fact that his troops return home safely. 

Here's the account:

2 Samuel 19:1-8 (NLT)

Joab Rebukes the King

19 Word soon reached Joab that the king was weeping and mourning for Absalom. ² As all the people heard of the king’s deep grief for his son, the joy of that day’s victory was turned into deep sadness. ³ They crept back into the town that day as though they were ashamed and had deserted in battle. ⁴ The king covered his face with his hands and kept on crying, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”

⁵ Then Joab went to the king’s room and said to him, “We saved your life today and the lives of your sons, your daughters, and your wives and concubines. Yet you act like this, making us feel ashamed of ourselves. ⁶ You seem to love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that your commanders and troops mean nothing to you. It seems that if Absalom had lived and all of us had died, you would be pleased. ⁷ Now go out there and congratulate your troops, for I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a single one of them will remain here tonight. Then you will be worse off than ever before.”

⁸ So the king went out and took his seat at the town gate, and as the news spread throughout the town that he was there, everyone went to him.

Meanwhile, the Israelites who had supported Absalom fled to their homes.

I wonder where you might have placed your emphasis, your emotions? Would it be in celebration for your own troops returning as victors (this victory is yours), or might you be somewhat torn at the loss of your own son (though an enemy by his own making and action)?

The jury is out on this for me in some respects, for I am a strong believer in the fact that your (my) children are always your (my) children and you love them unconditionally (ie. whether they return the love, receive the love or not, you ALWAYS love them, regardless). It doesn't mean you like all of their life choices or the decisions they exercise. It does mean you might have to exercise grace, much and often.

However, here is the issue that Joab raises, David (King), you are the leader of these people. You might be torn with the loss of your son, this flesh and blood of yours who made his own choices and has suffered the consequences. But, don't loose sight of the people who have honoured you, faithfully served you, who were willing to give up their lives for you if necessary. Watch, because you have the responsiblity to look out for and look after, them too.

'Lord, here's my prayer through this. Help me ALWAYS to love my children, to protect them, direct and guide them, to lead by example for them. When it comes to leading well the people you have placed in my care, help me to be wise and lead well, that I might honour them and be a true example to them, encouraging and praising them appropriately , for Your Kingdom sake.' 

 

Who's plans ...

Some of you will be aware what an interesting year 2012 was for me. It commenced with me seeing myself in a 'made to fit appointment'. I think we were really kicking some goals in a way that we hadn't for a while. You will know that expression, 'like a pig in mud', well that was me for a while. 

Well, it came tumbling down pretty quickly too. It took me to places I had never visited and would want for no person to find themselves. I felt robbed, cheated, attacked, angry, disappointed, disillusioned .... (I think you get the picture).

Have a read of this part of Joseph's story:-

Genesis 50:15-21
The Message (MSG)

^14-15 After burying his father, Joseph went back to Egypt. All his brothers who had come with him to bury his father returned with him. After the funeral, Joseph’s brothers talked among themselves: “What if Joseph is carrying a grudge and decides to pay us back for all the wrong we did him?”

^16-17 So they sent Joseph a message, “Before his death, your father gave this command: Tell Joseph, ‘Forgive your brothers’ sin—all that wrongdoing. They did treat you very badly.’ Will you do it? Will you forgive the sins of the servants of your father’s God?”
When Joseph received their message, he wept.
¹⁸ Then the brothers went in person to him, threw themselves on the ground before him and said, “We’ll be your slaves.”
^19-21 Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid. Do I act for God? 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. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I’ll take care of you and your children.” He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart.


The passage is often highlighted for an act of forgiveness. However, the element I want to focus on is highlighted in bold, the fact that God can use any situation. I believe He revealed where I am not to be (which differed to where I might have been headed or seen myself at some point in time), in the intervening time this last six months. In a few more days Jen and I will return to ministry together in a Corps (Geelong). We are excited about this chapter in our lives and ministry. We love the journey with people, and the Corps setting enhances this considerably. I am sure this will not be without it's own set of challenges, and on this seek your prayer support.

I seek to remain faithful and obedient to what it is God has to say to me or where He seeks to lead me. I desire that His Kingdom grow with lives changed through an encounter with Jesus. That I too might grow, more and more into who He created me to BE.

Please join me in this prayer - thanks, and may He bless ya real good!
 

Offensive ...

Well this reflection comes neither from a book I have been reading (not of recent anyway) not directly from a Scripture passages for today. It comes from recent conversations, and as I have paused a moment and given thought about them a bit more.

Have you ever been in a situation, a conversation, whereby what the other person has said directly to you, or insinuated, made you mad, or angry or raised within you some thought of how dare you! Whereby what they have suggested has actually been offensive, maybe due to the fact that, in your mind and by conscious acts, this was far from what you believed to be truth. And simply, they do not share the same understanding on a particular action or process or direction that you have instituted. Thus in their mind you have not listened to them, or done what they wanted.

Well, believe it or not, my thinking is not of ill toward them (not right at this moment anyway). What I have reflected upon is the times when I have offended God in the same manner. Or even worse, because I have known what He was requiring and not been obedient in this regard. Where I have turned my back on Him and done my own thing.

As I have paused, and thought about how I have felt, I have been challenged by how I have made God feel on occasions. And yet, He continues to show grace toward me. He keeps on loving me. He reminds me that I am His child and He desires me to follow Him faithfully. Still He has a plan for me and the provision of His Spirit to help me fulfill this plan.

Lord, forgive me for the thoughts that have been out of place toward others at times in relation to their actions or attitudes toward me. Forgive me for the occasions where I have been offensive in Your sight because of my actions, my attitudes, my disobedience. Help me to live true Lord to Your desire and will for my life and at the same time, reflect You to those with whom I interact.

Where do you run ...

In some suburbs we have identified houses which are termed safe houses. A place of refuge for any children going to school or returning home after school, for whatever reason might feel, or sense they are unsafe. These are places where someone is known (usually) to be home between these hours. These people are trusted. They will provide a safe place, a listening ear, comfort and act upon the threat that exists.

That is what came to mind for me as I read the following:

Psalm 143:1-12 (New Living Translation)

A psalm of David.

1 Hear my prayer, O Lord;

listen to my plea!

Answer me because you are faithful and righteous.

2 Don’t put your servant on trial,

for no one is innocent before you.

3 My enemy has chased me.

He has knocked me to the ground

and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave.

4 I am losing all hope;

I am paralyzed with fear.

5 I remember the days of old.

I ponder all your great works

and think about what you have done.

6 I lift my hands to you in prayer.

I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.

7 Come quickly, Lord, and answer me,

for my depression deepens.

Don’t turn away from me,

or I will die.

8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,

for I am trusting you.

Show me where to walk,

for I give myself to you.

9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord;

I run to you to hide me.

10 Teach me to do your will,

for you are my God.

May your gracious Spirit lead me forward

on a firm footing.

11 For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life.

Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.

12 In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies

and destroy all my foes,

for I am your servant.

And especially this verse:  9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me.

I think it is important to know where to go when we are feeling uncomfortable in some situation. A place where we can feel accepted. Where someone can care for us. Where someone can set us on the right path. A place where it is safe. And I certainly believe there is no place where that is more applicable than if we were run int the presence of God. We can do this because He is faithful and righteous. We can do this because of His unfailing love.

Let us trust in Him in the ups and lows of life, and know Him to be our safe refuge and place of acceptance.

Assurance in difficult circumstances ...

We often consider God as One who rescues us from some difficult circumstance. The thought of a Saviour who takes us out of the situation, removes the threat or plucks us from it. And sometimes this might be the case. However, on other occasions we may continue in the difficulty, but God promises to be right there with us, in the midst of it.

I remember well the 9/11 attacks in New York, etc. I recall the questions, many, many questions that people had. Amongst them was the question, where was God in all this. And the answer that often came in response from those who were there, those affected and in the midst of it all - God was right there with us.

If you remember the story or account of the "Footprints in the Sand" you will remember that whilst the journey of the person highlights the companionship of One (Christ) traveling beside him through life (symbolised by two sets of footprints), when the going got tough, there remained only one set of footprints. Naturally he queried, Lord, where were You when it got tough, when I needed You most. And the Lord responded, I was carrying you.

Today's passage of Scripture reminded me of these occasions/examples:

Isaiah 43:1-3 (New Living Translation)

The Savior of Israel

1 But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.

O Israel, the one who formed you says,

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.

I have called you by name; you are mine.

2 When you go through deep waters,

I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty,

you will not drown.

When you walk through the fire of oppression,

you will not be burned up;

the flames will not consume you.

3 For I am the Lord, your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...

The passage reminds me that there will be difficult times that I will face in my life. There is no escaping these, in fact, in 1 Peter 4: 12-19 I am reminded that I will face much more because of being a Christian than if I were not. People will oppose me just for this reason, because they do not understand. But, in the circumstance, whilst I am right in the midst of it, my God, the One who created me and ransomed me, will be there with me. The Lord will not let the circumstance overtake me, or beat me.

Lord, there are times when I question what is happening in my life. Times when I might ask, where are You Lord? And yet I am challenged by the reminder that You are there with me. You, the One who created me and bought me back with the price of your only Son, and You will continue to be my Saviour. Lord, I look to You again today and ask that I might never forget this. That I might not question this. That I might bear testimony to Your faithfulness to do ALL You have said.

Got your testimony ...

Well here is another one of those passages that reminds me that being a Christian (a follower of Christ) is no guarantee that life will be easy. In fact, it may very well mean there will be all the more challenges. Not all are appreciative of those who claim Christ to be Lord, no matter how much good accompanies this life.

But here is the main thing, if you are asked to explain something of your Christian hope, be prepared to do so. And not only this, make sure you do this in a manner that is unoffensive. Be faithful, but ensure this is not condemning of the listener.

1 Peter 3:13-17 (New Living Translation)

Suffering for Doing Good

13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 17 Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

It is a challenge to put our faith into words at times. To describe how Jesus has made a difference in our live's. It is good to keep this simple. To use plain english, without the use of church language, or jargon. It is a good exercise to contemplate your experience, maybe it will help to write it out and get used to sharing it with others. Having said this, remember the Spirit of God is our confidence and when we struggle to know what to say, if we leave it to Him, He will speak through us.

More than anything, live the journey (the experience), then you will easily know what to say - just be faithful and rely upon God.

How you live ...

Do you have those occasions when you think, I don't know that I will worry about this ..." and then you decide, nah I think I will do that. And when you do you discover something that you would otherwise have missed out on. There are times when I will leave some of the readings from the "Life journal Reading Plan" opting to shorten the load on the occasion, ie. I might choose not to do the Chronicles readings for a series, etc. Well that is where I was at today, I thought I would give the 2 Chronicles 26 & 27 a miss, then changed my mind. I am glad I did.

In chapter 26 we read of the great start that Uzziah got off to as King:

2 Chronicles 26:4-5 (New Living Translation)

4 He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, just as his father, Amaziah, had done. 5 Uzziah sought God during the days of Zechariah, who taught him to fear God. And as long as the king sought guidance from the Lord, God gave him success.

It seems that the Kings who were pleasing in the Lord's sight are few and far between. And then there is the disappointment:

2 Chronicles 26:16 (New Living Translation)

Uzziah’s Sin and Punishment

16 But when he had become powerful, he also became proud, which led to his downfall. He sinned against the Lord his God by entering the sanctuary of the Lord’s Temple and personally burning incense on the incense altar.

It was then that I read further into chapter 27, I am so glad that I did. Here I encountered Uzziah's son, Jotham, and here are the couple of encouraging verses:

2 Chronicles 27:2 (New Living Translation)

2 Jotham did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight. He did everything his father, Uzziah, had done, except that Jotham did not sin by entering the Temple of the Lord. But the people continued in their corrupt ways.

2 Chronicles 27:6 (New Living Translation)

6 King Jotham became powerful because he was careful to live in obedience to the Lord his God.

I love reading of those who have managed to keep it together. Especially when there is some record of what assisted them to do this. What helped them to be successful. For Jotham we discover it was because he was careful to live in obedience to the Lord his God.

What does this mean? I believe it marries with those verses we have looked at before whereby we are reminded that God is satisfied when we are honest and upright before Him. When we remember to listen and attune our lives to His instruction, being obedient to His voice, rather than merely following tradition or practice. I reckon it aligns to the occasions where instruction is given to "guard your faith". To ensure that you remain in the Lord by displaying those fruits of the Spirit in your life (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control).

"Lord, it is my desire to be one of Your servants who is careful to live in obedience to Your plan for my life. I understand though that I cannot accomplish this in my own strength. Help me to lean on the strength that comes in Your Holy Spirit, so that I might be counted faithful and obedient."

Small windows ...

You may have heard before the urgency that lies for us to be faithful in telling the Message of God (the Good News). Such Scriptures remind us of Jesus coming as a thief in the night (in other words, the timing being unknown, but it could be any time, so be prepared, ready, on guard even).

Another reminder comes in this passage of Scripture:

2 Timothy 4:1-4 (New Living Translation)

1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

Firstly, be reminded of the task at hand: we are to preach the Word of God. And there is a huge challenge in this task – "whether the time is favourable or not." And further to this, here is what this will look like (the preaching of the Word of God) – with patience correct (let them know what is wrong with what they are doing, how they ought to be going about their lives, what is truthful, accurate, acceptable , remember though, in patience), rebuke (reprove, reprimand, take to task over – again remember, this is still in the framework of patience), and encourage (I like this one and find it more natural for me, give confidence – your confidence in them, hearten them, cheer them on).

Secondly, and back to the urgency aspect, for a time is coming when they will no longer be willing to listen, the window of opportunity is at times very small and could close at any time. They may give their attention to the ways of the world, chase after that which satisfies the flesh. By then it may have become too late – they reject the truth and chase after myths, false teachings, etc.

Wow, what a responsibility we have. How important that we are faithful to the call God has placed upon us to faithfully preach His message when the opportunity presents. Yet, don’t be too overwhelmed into thinking of the responsibility that you freeze from responding. Remember, the Lord provides the strength and the words, we just need to respond by being in the place He has sent us and open our mouths as He directs.

“Lord, it seems at times a daunting task. It is easy to become overwhelmed and even respond that this is too much of a responsibility to be placed upon my shoulders. Yet, it is good for me to remember then, that my responsibility is not for the salvation or response of others, but to be faithful and  obedient. Lord, help me to BE Your willing and obedient servant.”