“And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel.” I Chronicles 14:2
If you ever rise to some prominence or influence amongst the church, don’t let it go to your head. Understand that the reason the Lord raised you up is for the sake of “His people.”
“And they said unto him, There came a man up to meet us, and said unto us, Go, turn again unto the king that sent you, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that thou sendest to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron? therefore thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.” II kings 1:6
Though it may not be Baalzebub that you turn to, anytime you turn to any other source, be it people, programs, resources and such, instead of God, it could be asked; “Is it not because there is not a God” in America? Is not Almighty God the source of all your needs?
“Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven, 2A people great and tall, the children of the Anakims, whom thou knowest, and of whom thou hast heard say, Who can stand before the children of Anak! 3Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God is he which goeth over before thee; as a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them down before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD hath said unto thee.” Dt. 9:1-3
Of course those nations are greater and mightier than Israel, what would be the big deal to go in and conquer a cowardly feeble people. This situation they were in was a constant reminder to them that their dependence must remain in God. Every time you face a trial bigger than you, you are just being reminded that your dependence must remain in God.
“So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:” I Cor. 1:7
The nation of Israel waited for the promised King and Messiah. The believers in the upper room waited for the promised Holy Spirit. Today, the church is waiting for the promised “coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Come quickly Lord!
“And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.” II Ki. 5:3
What confidence this little maid had of the God of Israel. She was convinced that if Naaman could get to the prophet in Israel, he would be made clean. Lord, let it be that we too can have such confidence that we can tell those that need a touch, need a miracle and needing a cleansing that there is a prophet in Israel. Lord give us confidence that we can say there is a church, a people in the community, where God’s presence and power abides.
“Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. 2And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife.” II Ki. 5:1-2
This little maid from Israel is a type of Christian, in that Christians have a call to serve. She was in the enemy’s home yet she served Naaman, the leper’s, wife. We are called to serve God and man. There are three levels of priority in this life of service.
1. Like the greatest commandment to love God first, we are servants to God first.
2. Next, we are servants to the household of faith. Just as Jesus washed His disciple’s feet, we are called to serve our brethren.
3. And last we are called to serve our fellow man. Yes, even if they are not Christians. We may not obey everything they say, but we are to serve our neighbor.
“But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.” Ex. 11:7
Just as the Lord put a difference between Egypt and Israel, He puts a difference between the world and the church, the sinner and the saint. Will you let Him do that distinguishing work in your life? Will you let Him make you different from the citizens of this world?
“And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. 20And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! 21Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.” Mt. 21:19-21
Jesus said that if we have faith we too could curse the fig tree and it would wither. Why would I want to curse a fig tree anyway? When you consider the fig tree represents Israel, which is a type of church, and the lack of figs signifies a lack of fruit, then we can understand that we can and should curse unfruitful religion. No loving Christian wants to curse anyone or anything, but considering the carnal state of much of the church, it seems few have risen up in our generation to curse the unfruitful religion we have. In fact it seems we may have more tree huggers than cursers.
