Coffee With The Lord

What are the factors that lead to victory in the face of overwhelming odds, incredible difficulties, lack of resources, resistance by adversaries and their determined scheming? Good question eh?

I’ve been reading Ezra and Nehemiah in my Bible the past weeks during my time of “Coffee with the Lord” … Just let me say, I believe those two books of the Bible provide an extended “case study” in what works in situations like that!

After 70 long years of exile in Babylon, God’s people return to a city that looks like it has been through an extended siege of devastating bombing, a temple that has been pillaged, dismantled stone by stone, and completely destroyed, and adversaries that seek their failure and demise at every turn! How can they succeed at the task of rebuilding? Everything seems to be against them!

Several things come to mind as a result of my reading… I’ll list them (but you may have others you’d think of and like to add):

First of all, they were doing the will of God! He is the One who willed their return and reclamation! You can’t lose on that one – the “Almighty” willed it!

Secondly, help and resources came from unexpected and unlikely sources. Pagan kings felt “inclined” to resource and fund the project (even their neighbors in Babylon “chipped in!” (Hey, God was in it – Divine influence matters!)

And you can’t overlook Godly gifted leadership – “servant leadership!” Thank God for the exemplary, sacrificial leadership of people like Nehemiah, Ezra, Joshua, Zerubbabel, Zechariah and others! In fact, those involved in leading the rebuilding effort provide an incredible study in effective leadership (both secular and spiritual)!

And finally (well, next to finally) was the dedicated efforts and dogged energy of the returning exiles in the face of incredible odds! In the words of Nehemiah, “So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, FOR THE PEOPLE HAD A MIND TO WORK!” (Nehemiah 4:6)

And finally (and I’ll borrow from another book – the prophetic voice of Zechariah) – the role of the Holy Spirit! … “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: NOT BY MIGHT, NOR BY POWER, BUT BY MY SPIRIT, SAYS THE LORD OF HOSTS! Who are you, O great mountain [of rubble]? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’ ” Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it! … Whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel!” (Zechariah 4:6-10)

I don’t know what incredible, daunting “rebuilding challenge” you may be facing, but if God is in it “All things work together for good for those who are called according to His purpose!” (Romans 8:28) All of the factors I’ve highlighted (and more) come together for His glory! … Trust the Lord, be determined to do God’s will, follow godly gifted leaders, diligently do your part, and expect to rejoice at the result!

Just a bit of a tribute today to skilled, devoted and wise pastors, teachers and writers… Here’s what they seek to accomplish and its wholesome impact upon us… “Besides being wise, the Preacher (or teacher… Heb. “Qoheleth”) also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. Beware of anything beyond these.” (From Ecclesiastes 12:9–12 ESV) My advice? We should be grateful to God for them, their efforts and God-given skills!

I’m from a farm background. I understand how important weather can be – to both sowing and reaping (and I might add the germination, growth and maturation of a crop). I know what it is to see my dad “eye the sky,” listen to the weather forecast… but go ahead, risk it, get the seed in the ground anyway and reap with an “eye on the sky!” Successful farmers have to take some risks! So do investors and entrepreneurs… and so do those who sow (and reap) “the precious seed of the gospel.”

So this is what I read today during my time of “coffee with the Lord” from Ecclesiastes… “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap!” (Ecclesiastes 11:4) … For some people there is always an excuse! Something “might happen” – the “weather forecast” is threatening – things aren’t quite right! Truth is though, in life, and in spiritual matters, to succeed you have to “take some risks!” I jotted these words in my Bible this morning… “Do what you should regardless!” (It’s a key to success in life and in godliness!”

Interestingly, while I was thinking about Ecclesiastes 11:4, Psalm 126:6 came to mind… Here’s the background: “Israel had just come back from exile. They faced the daunting challenge of rebuilding their lives after 70 long years in Babylon. Picture a farmer standing in the field with a bag of seed… does he plant it or eat it (I mean after it’s in the ground, who knows what will happen)! In faith, however – in spite of the risks – he sows! Here’s how the Psalmist puts it: “He who goes out weeping, bearing precious seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him!”

I’m going to keep “sowing” (and “reaping”) REGARDLESS! I’m going to press on, and press through, trusting the faithfulness of God regardless of the “wind and clouds” (or a “forecast”)! I’m going to trust the guidance and faithfulness of God! I believe I’ll “come home with shouts of joy, bringing sheaves with me!”