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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Last week we considered the possibility of being expected to set difficult goals or appear strange to others in our pursuit of a Christian lifestyle. This week we are going to look at a few more specific incidents where people were asked to be faithful and accomplish tasks some of us would never dream of.
Moses led a million - plus rebellious people from Egypt and set the machinery in place for successful government, law and order, food service, health, hygiene and worship. However, in Exodus 17:1-7, Moses is instructed to strike a rock, bringing forth water. (Demonstrating obedient leadership.) In a similar incident, he is later told to speak to a rock, bringing forth water. (Verifying God’s provision.) Instead, he struck it as well; in anger and possibly pride – bordering on arrogance. As a result he was denied the opportunity of leading Israel into the promised land; which seems a bit harsh. But we must realize that when we stand before others as a spokesperson for God, we must be beyond reproach. (See James 3:1)
2 Samuel 6:1-9 & 1 Chronicles 15,16 record David’s attempt to bring the Ark into the new capital of Jerusalem. It was loaded onto an ox-drawn cart which lurched over a bump. The Ark was jostled – to steady it, a man walking nearby reached out to secure it and was promptly struck dead! Why? Because there was a specific way the Ark was to be moved; on the shoulders of Levitical priests, by way of poles. Not thrown on a cart and drug across the countryside. If we investigate, understand and then do as we’re instructed – things will seem less strange, less difficult, and get done right. There are always consequences (even to innocents around us) when we don’t.
The Prophet Elijah tried to lead back-slidden Israel in a return to the one true God. He challenged the king and queen with their priests of Baal to a showdown on Mt. Carmel. (1 Kings 18:16-40) They built altars in preparation for sacrifice; but Elijah had his drenched with water three times, then called on God to light it. He did – burning away the sacrifice, the wood on the altar as well as the altar stones themselves; even drying up the water in a drainage ditch around the altar. Elijah was confirmed as a true prophet of Jehovah who was acknowledged as the one true God by the people; the Baal priests being thoroughly discredited (and killed) and the king and queen repudiated.
Ezekiel, an exiled Israelite priest in Babylon, was instructed to depict the siege of Jerusalem by making a clay model, complete with siege-works, ramps and enemy encampments around it. Lying down with an iron pan placed between this model and himself, he symbolized the separation from God and His grace that had occurred as a result of the people’s disobedience. He was told as well to shave his head and face, scattering and burning the hair in various places. (Ezekiel 4:1-3& 5:1-3) He was further instructed to pack his belongings, dig a hole through the mud brick wall of his house and exit his house through that hole; demonstrating the destruction of Jerusalem and the extremes people might be forced to in an attempt to escape and survive. (Ezekiel 12:1-10) The prophets had been preaching for years, but people weren’t paying attention. I’m sure some at least took notice this time!
Some of that does seem a bit odd and I would be hesitant to do them unless I was absolutely sure God was leading me to them. The main thing God expects is willingness; to change, to be the best we can while becoming something even better. Paul telling us that, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Galatians 5:6 But what does God expect of us? Micah 6:8 answering with, “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (See also Matthew 23:23) Jesus simply defining the “work of God” as believing in the one He has sent. (John 6:29) Genuine belief embracing obedience to his will.
New Testament examples include Simon the Zealot, who was filled was zeal for his land and culture, dedicated to doing whatever it took to gain his personal freedom as well as that of his homeland. (Luke 6:12-16) In time, his enthusiasm was re-directed from protest and possible acts of terror to love; balancing the real needs of himself as an individual and those of his countrymen with the over-riding spiritual needs of all men and obedience to God; modeling Paul’s injunction to, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:4
Matthew (Levi), was asked to give up a lucrative job to become a penniless preacher. Matthew 9:9& Luke 5:27 (Later to gain “fame” as an author.)
Zacchaeus, another cheating tax collector, made lots of money while maintaining a high standing as a government employee; even as he earned the disrespect and hatred of his countrymen. After his exposure to Jesus he gave half his possessions to the poor and returned four-fold to those he had cheated. (Luke 19:1-10)
A Rich Young Ruler asked, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Matthew 19:16-23 Jesus’ answer was obedience to God’s word. ‘I have done so’ was his reply. Jesus then further instructed him to put his wealth aside and place the ministry of the gospel first in his life. (And as is so often the case, he couldn’t – or wouldn’t.)
Mark records an incident of a father bringing a sick son to Jesus for healing. He wanted to believe Jesus could and would, but he just wasn’t sure. He exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:24 Expressing faith often being the first difficult step to faithful action.
Paul, was from a “good” family with strong traditions, a sound education and high standing in the community. Yet he willingly traded wealth and fame for the life of an itinerant preacher who owned no home, had no set income, no family nearby and death by beheading. (Acts 22:2-5; 23:6; Philippians 3:5) All because of his introduction to the Christ – his Messiah, and the expectations He had of him. (Acts 9)
And finally Jesus, “Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:6-8
The question remaining to be answered is: What are you willing to do, to give up, to become? Will you be able to stay true to the call of Christ through difficult or uncertain times when you don’t understand why and can’t see the purpose? Paul stated that, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22 Not participating in sin but associating with sinful people; identifying their sin and helping them overcome it. He was willing to do something other than what he might have preferred, to be someone he might not have chosen to be; to see grace extended to the grace-less. He was willing to change himself, adjust his dreams, his wants, his goals. He learned to do without, to lose (in the eyes of the world) to gain. (What he had never imagined.) Taking to heart the promise, “…that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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