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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. 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, pride and possibly 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 capitol 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! There was a specific way the Ark was to be moved; on the shoulders, by way of poles, of Levitical priests. 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 were thoroughly discredited and the king and queen repudiated.

Ezekiel, an exiled Israelite priest in Babylon, was instructed to depict the seige of Jerusalem by making a clay model, complete with seigeworks, ramps and enemy encampments around it. Lying down with an iron pan placed between this model and himself, he symbolized separation from God and His grace that had occurred as a result of their disobedience. He was told as well to shave his head and face, scattering and burning the hair in various places. (Ezekiel 4:1-8) 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 at escape and survival. (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 did seem a bit weird 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 and become something better. Paul tells us that, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Galatians 5:6 But what does God expect of us? “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 (See also Matthew 23:23) To treat people with consideration and fairness, to be understanding, forgiving and merciful, and to be humble before God in obedience.

New Testament examples include Simon the Zealot, who was filled was zeal for his land and culture, dedicated to do whatever it took to gain his personal freedom as well as that of his homeland. (Luke 6:12-16) His motivation was re-directed from war 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; Luke 6:12-16 (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 didn’t quit his job but practiced it differently, giving half his possessions to the poor and returning four-fold to those he had cheated. (Luke 19:1-10)

A Rich Young Ruler asked, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Matt. 19:16-23Jesus’ answer was obedience to God’s word. ‘I have’ was his reply. Jesus then further instructed him to put his wealth aside and place the mission of the gospel first in his life. (And as is 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 Sometimes just learning to believe, to express faith is a difficult first step to faithful action.

Paul, from a “good” family, strong tradition, high education and 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)

Jesus, who won’t ask us to do what he is not willing to do as well; “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? Would you be willing to stop your involvement in athletics to free up time to study and make time to witness? You can witness as an athlete, but at times the requirements for participation are so time consuming it becomes very difficult. Could you give up a scholarship at one school to attend another without a scholarship? One more suited to your needs, your faith; and work to make up the difference? Are you willing to give up date time or opportunities to play; to work, study the Word and witness? Can you, will you, stand firm in a faithful lifestyle with friends or acquaintances who are doing wrong and declare by word and deed that you are different because you want to be different? Will you refrain from the commonplace but risky and hurtful? Illicit sex, smoking, drinking and drugs; or will you fall prey to the idea that, ‘Everybody else is doing it! Why shouldn’t I?’

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 able to associate with sinful people; identifying the sin while helping people 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. He was willing and able because he believed! Because he knew, “…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

What strange or difficult thing is God asking you to do? When he asks - “Whom shall I send?” - what will your reply be? Will you eagerly respond with, “Here am I. Send me!”? (Isaiah 6:8)

"The Way" from Kevin Pauley

The Second Sin