And the Word of the Lord Came...

I was reading in the gospel of Luke the other morning, skipping along through the text. A few words especially caught my eye, but in my endeavour to read more than a few lines, you know, at least read a whole chapter, I just kept on going, thinking I’ll go back and look at that later. Then I said to myself, what am I doing? Isn’t this the whole point? If a few words jump out at me, aren’t I supposed to park there for a few minutes and really think about what I’m reading?

So I stop and go back to those words which were: “the word of the Lord came to John… and he went” (Luke 3:2, 3a) God had a specific purpose and plan for John (the Baptist), a very special purpose – he was to prepare the way of the Lord. How was John to know what to do next? Where was he to go? What was he supposed to do? When was he supposed to do it? The answer is right here in the text “the word of Lord came to John”. I wonder what the exact words were that John heard (that's just me being curious, I’m sure it’s a girl thing) but, in any event John knew the voice of the Lord and he obeyed the word that he heard.

Isn't it amazing and wonderful that God speaks to his people? WOW! And the fact that God has created us with the ability to understand what He says!! Again, it’s amazing! So often we just read over verses and chapters as if they were ordinary, in a ‘nothing remarkable there’ kind of way, as if we had just read “John got up at 6:30 and had breakfast” [Of course in John the Baptist’s case it would have been remarkable because he ate locusts and honey for breakfast! – sorry I digress]. No, there is something extraordinary here. The verse says “the word of the Lord came to John”. God spoke to John and told him what he was to do. And John understood God’s voice and did what He said to do.

Is it any different for us? Is God a respecter of persons? Friends, God has a special purpose and plan for your lives too, and for mine. He is speaking to you too, and to me. He speaks in many different ways – through scripture, another brother or sister, the preaching of His word, directly to us with His “still small voice”, an inner prompting, etc.

Life in Christ should not be boring. If it is, I’m sure it’s because we are not listening. Are we brave enough to say “Speak Lord, your servant is listening?” Let’s discover what He is saying. Things could get really exciting!

It's Time for a Walk

Lord, can we go for a walk? I just need to be with You. He takes my hand and we begin to walk down a country lane. There is a blue sky, a few puffy white clouds, a light refreshing breeze. We are walking… walking… as always when with Him, there is no need for a rush of words… walking… walking. Ahhh, I can breathe, it’s okay, everything will be okay. Walking… walking… oh Lord, You are my joy. The joy of my salvation is You! We stop. He directs my gaze out over a beautiful meadow, and yes, there they are – the daisies. I see their joyful dance in the summer breeze… I know the question before it is asked. “Have you picked any daisies lately?” My excuses for the negative reply I must give all come rushing to my mind, ready to spill out of my mouth, but I don’t utter a word. What are my excuses in the Presence of the One who knows me more intimately than anyone ever could, more than I know myself? Instead I simply say “Lord, you know that I have not picked as many as I should and therefore my present state of mind”. Why is it that even though I know what I need to do for my own good, that I neglect it?  I gain little comfort from the knowledge that this question has been asked by those much greater than me. At the same time I am reassured by the One who holds my hand, who walks with me and promises to never let me go. Yes Lord, You will lead me in the paths of life. Goodness and mercy will surely follow me. As I look up into His face I ask once again, “Lord give me a passion for your Word, that Word that is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”.

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man who…

Delights in the law of the Lord

And in His law and he meditates day and night.

He shall be like a tree

Planted by the rivers of water

That brings forth its fruit in its season

Whose leaf also shall not wither

And whatever he does shall prosper.

And so, I ask you the question as well – have you been picking daisies lately? Looking into their depths? – you know that I am talking about reading scripture and spending some quiet time with the Lord while reading His word. Therein lies our strength and peace.