There are times when action is required and necessary in order to
fulfil God's will, and other times when all we are directed to do is - stand still. This was one such
situation. Followed by the other Levites and further behind them the whole of Israel, the four priests were to bear the Ark of the Covenant, which has been estimated by various sources to weight (including its contents) as much as 200Kg, to the brink of the
river Jordan. When their feet were in the waters at the river's edge, they
were to stand still and wait on the move and hand of God.
The directions of the Lord are precise enough for us to obey, yet sometimes they are unusual. We may wonder at the fact that when we are directed to wait and be still, the place, circumstances or conditions in which we are commanded to do so, may not be conducive or preferable. We may not know with certainty how God may intervene or what He is about to do, but we do know for sure He has shown us to stand - and that we must obey! We must not worry if 'our feet are getting wet' as we wait for the Lord's will and intervention to make a way, He knows what He is doing and He can be trusted, His word can be relied upon. Standing still maybe one of the hardest things we are ever directed to do, particularly when we don’t know how long for or when we are to wait in precarious circumstances, such as on the edge of a river which is known to overflow its banks! Some may mock at our lack of action or criticize what may appear as inability or indifference on our part. They wonder what is 'wrong with us' or make up their own minds and story about us, shaking their heads empty of understanding at the sight before them. In spite of their urging and pressing, those who have heard from God, not caring how they may appear to others, must bear the load and stand still. They cannot move a single step forward to please or appease the opinion of others, nor retreat from their position, for personal comfort or fear of the deep waters in front of them! They must obey and follow carefully and patiently the instructions of the Master! God's glory, will and purpose will be manifest in due course, but only and ever in His perfect and appropriate time.
The directions of the Lord are precise enough for us to obey, yet sometimes they are unusual. We may wonder at the fact that when we are directed to wait and be still, the place, circumstances or conditions in which we are commanded to do so, may not be conducive or preferable. We may not know with certainty how God may intervene or what He is about to do, but we do know for sure He has shown us to stand - and that we must obey! We must not worry if 'our feet are getting wet' as we wait for the Lord's will and intervention to make a way, He knows what He is doing and He can be trusted, His word can be relied upon. Standing still maybe one of the hardest things we are ever directed to do, particularly when we don’t know how long for or when we are to wait in precarious circumstances, such as on the edge of a river which is known to overflow its banks! Some may mock at our lack of action or criticize what may appear as inability or indifference on our part. They wonder what is 'wrong with us' or make up their own minds and story about us, shaking their heads empty of understanding at the sight before them. In spite of their urging and pressing, those who have heard from God, not caring how they may appear to others, must bear the load and stand still. They cannot move a single step forward to please or appease the opinion of others, nor retreat from their position, for personal comfort or fear of the deep waters in front of them! They must obey and follow carefully and patiently the instructions of the Master! God's glory, will and purpose will be manifest in due course, but only and ever in His perfect and appropriate time.
No comments:
Post a Comment