Only God's Way

Psalm 124     Mark 14    Nehemiah

Jesus stands beside us wherever we are. Think about that for a minute. …… No matter where we go, what we face, what we decide, nothing is hidden from God. This song of David reminds us that even when the people thought God wasn’t there, he was leading them and preparing them for the next chapter of their lives. This was true when they made good decisions and when the made poor decisions.

When we carefully look at the stories in the Bible there is a clear common thread. When the people of God live by his instructions and rules, they are confident they are heading in the right direction even when it takes them places they would never have chosen to go. David reminds them that sometimes in the midst of rejection, hate and anger God was still with them and would be with them going forward. The maker of heaven and earth was the one that helped them and worthy of their praise.

Jesus was an honest leader, warning that following him would mean putting their lives on the line and they would have to trust Him, God and the Holy Spirit that there was a broader vision we cannot see. We will only ever be able to trust those we believe will have our best interest at heart even when we can’t see it.

Like so much of Jesus teaching, Mark 13 is a series of short stories where Jesus challenges his disciples to make sure their focus is on what is important to God. He warns them many will come and try and deceive them and mislead them away from the Lord. That will lead to nations and kingdoms rising up against one another. The cost of following and telling the story of good news will anger many, cause some to do all they can to destroy you. But don’t be deceived and frighted by these end of the world story tellers. God’s story will be told and retold until everyone has heard and had the opportunity to receive or reject the call.  The divisions will be great even creating divisions between the closest family members. The ones that stand with Jesus and are not deceived will be saved from the wrath to come.

These days will be extremely difficult and challenge everyone’s faith. Jesus is always right at the door waiting for you. Keep on the alert that the life you live is one that Jesus will present to the Father with joy and celebration. Be on the alert at all times to be sure the voice you are hearing is the Lord’s.

Today we looked at the last few chapters of Nehemiah as part of a Bible study we have been doing. The last few chapters are after the walls of Jerusalem have been rebuilt and not the work of returning begins. The first phase of the hard physical work was done, a long stone wall had been repaired and new gates hung in 52 days using nothing but muscle. All the while under the threat of attack for those that were determined they would not succeed.

Now they must begin the long difficult task of rebuilding the city, reinhabiting it from the places they had lived in relative comfort. Nehemiah’s job was to lead and manage, hold accountable the people of God and to push them to do what was right. It was not a task to be done alone but together. The journey ahead would be long and difficult but Nehemiah trusted God to shape the leadership team needed to complete the task. Leading is not about being in control but doing and allowing others to do what is right for the greater community good.

Today the reading have all reminded me that if our focus is anywhere but following God’s lead we are moving in the wrong direction where the consequences are deadly.