Exodus 2:1-10: Providential Protection and Preservation,,, It still happens today!
Think about it… Brutal taskmasters of God’s people, Israel… Determined plans by an evil leader to destroy all the male babies… midwives who feared God… an innovative “mother of faith” acts to save her baby… A caring, bold sister does her part… a timely scheduled bath… eyes that were sovereignly drawn to an “ark” made of bulrushes among the reeds of the Nile … And GOD preserved, and providentially provided, for the deliverer of His people!
God has a thousand ways to fulfill His will when we can’t think of one!!!
On more than one occasion I’ve heard this compliment about my daughter Shari… “She is a very wise shopper! She knows quality when she sees it (AND she knows when someone is trying to deceive her). She is able to consistently get a good deal!” (Just gotta say, that is true of Shari … AND ALSO her mother Sharon!! “Like mother, like daughter” I guess J)
I wish Christians were just that “SAGACIOUS” (now there’s a good “word for the day”) in spiritual things! Thought of that today as I read Apostle Paul’s warning in Romans 16.17-19 this morning…
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them! For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naïve people… I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.”
So here is the deal… Don’t believe all the “marketing” you hear about spiritual things, what the Bible teaches, or doctrine! Program (“format” if you please) your mind and heart with God’s word and depend on the Holy Spirit to work within you to produce authentic spiritual maturity and the discernment you need so that you can recognize a “spiritual scam” and reject it when you see it, hear it, or read it! On the other hand, prepare yourself to recognize, affirm and respond to “the real deal” – embrace it and act upon it with faith and obedience!
My great delight over the years has been to work with a generation of young, energetic, emerging leaders with an “apostolic heart, vision and “Spirit” (and I do mean the Holy Spirit – not simply their human spirit!) I have the wonderful privilege of helping them identify their gifting, urging them to listen for God’s voice, respond to their calling, assist them in developing their skills in communicating the gospel, and helping them learn how to “make disciples of all nations” in the power of the Holy Spirit Hey, doesn’t get much better than that!!
As I read the expression of Paul’s passion and vision in Romans 15.20 this morning I thought of many of them! Paul said, “My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else.” (My paraphrase) … To serve the Lord in revitalizing and leading an existing congregation is a noble task. But I praise God for those who embrace the passion and preference of Apostle Paul – identifying pockets of unreached people, taking the gospel to them and then making devoted disciples of Jesus Christ of them! I am convinced they are getting us ready for the coming of the Lord!! Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matt 24:14 ESV)
SO MY ENCOURAGEMENT TO THEM TODAY… GO FOR IT!! Let the Lord give you your vision, lift up your eyes and look upon a ready harvest, trust God to give you creative strategies, and go for it in the power and leadership of the Holy Spirit!!
Coffee With The Lord 