The end of December and much of January is a big time of reflection for so many. I can’t help but lump myself in with those who are vowing to make some changes, some big and some small, and to improve themselves in some way. Then again, I’m not sure I would initially categorize my shift as wanting to make some changes – rather, I’m just… hungry. I’m hungry for more understanding… more wisdom… more of Him. I can’t seem to get enough praise and worship and I’m thoroughly enjoying being in the Word.
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 10:11 (NIV)
My husband and I were talking about different churches we’ve attended, some of the different sermons we’ve listen to, suffered through, and survived. Don’t get me wrong – I really don’t have a bad taste in my mouth regarding the church, going to church, or pastors of churches. That was the point of our conversation. God’s Word will not return empty (or void, depending on the translation). A dry, monotone delivery of God’s Word will still sow seeds. An entertaining delivery will as well. God’s Word will even sow seeds if the messenger does not deliver it God’s way, but rather his own.
There are sermons preached that carry the message of turn or burn, get right tonight. Being scared into a relationship with God seems a bit wrong though. Do I think those who have come to salvation through those messages are less than saved? No, absolutely not. God’s Word will not return empty. But scaring souls through Heaven’s gates is not God’s heart. Romans 2:4 states that it is God’s kindness (or goodness) that leads to repentance. God’s Word will not return empty.
Some of the pastors we have sat under, some together and some before we were married, felt the need to do things their way instead of God’s way. Much like Moses. A friend of mine recently reminded me of the story of Moses. Most people immediately start to think of him saying let my people go or the time that he parted the Red Sea. Both memorable, but I was reminded of when he decided to strike the rock instead of speaking to it.
In Numbers 20:1-13, Moses is instructed by God to gather everyone together, speak to a specific rock, and water will come out so all could drink – including all of their livestock. Talk about a flood of water, right? All with the power of a word. Did Moses follow God’s instructions? Well, not exactly. Instead of a word, he decided to strike the rock – not just once, but twice. Because Moses didn’t trust God, he was denied being able to go into the land God had promised for the Israelites. Part of me feels as though this is a bit harsh. Moses was mourning the death of his sister and had been listening to nothing but complaining and grumbling from more than a million ungrateful Israelites for how long? God tells him to use words and Moses decides to let out a bit of frustration and hits the rock twice with his staff. Now I’m also picturing a tantrum.
But water still came out of the rock.
Moses was frustrated and knew how God told him to proceed but decided that he would do it his way instead. God’s way was through words and Moses misrepresented God by striking the rock. Surely, the physicality of striking the rock would be more effective than mere words, right? That might be what Moses was thinking – or his frustration and sadness (his sister died, remember?) got the better of him. But God had wanted words to convey His heart.
The turn or burn message – a message revolving around the fear of Hell – is not God’s way. God’s way was through Words – and seems to have been since the beginning.
In the beginning, God spoke and there was light (Genesis 1:1-5). God spoke and created the sky (Genesis 1:6-8). God spoke and there were bodies of water, dry land, and vegetation (Genesis 1:9-13). God spoke and created the sun, moon, and stars (Genesis 1:14-19). He went on to speak and created all living animals on land, in the water, and in the air (Genesis 1:20-25). And when God created man, He spoke to Himself and formed us in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 2:7). He later explained that we don’t just live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:3). And then He sent THE WORD as Jesus (John 1:1-4).
Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Proverbs 30:5 (NIV)
If His Word is flawless, then why would we think we could do it better? Why would we think that there’s something better than His Word? Why would we want anything other than the best of the best of the best?
My husband and I had a pastor tell us that he can’t teach the grace message because everyone would go live in sin (by the way, the grace message is not about licentiousness). Instead of using words to convey God’s heart, he misrepresents God and strikes the rock instead. But water still comes out of the rock. God’s Word will not return empty. In that same church, there were seeds pulled directly from scripture and planted in the hearts of those willing. Not everything the pastor said was truth, but God is able to work through our human failings.
How often do we look at our pastors, spiritual leaders, and mentors and see them atop a pedestal of our choosing? How often do we find ourselves simply taking their word for it in regard to who God is, the nature of His character, and His intentions? Do we blindly accept what they say? It is vitally important that we get into God’s Word ourselves. It is just as important that we pray and intercede for our pastors, spiritual leaders, and mentors.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. I Timothy 2:1-4 NIV
The story of Aaron and Hur helping Moses hold up his hands so the Israelites could overcome the Amalekites is found in Exodus 17:8-13. Whenever Moses grew tired and started to lower his hands, the Amalekites would start winning against the Israelites. But when he grew weary, Aaron and Hur came on either side of him and helped to keep his hands raised. Because they held him up, the Israelites were successful and overcame the Amalekites. I want my pastor, spiritual leader, and mentor to be held up, too.
Let’s get into the Word, get to know God for who He truly is, and hold those in authority up – especially when they grow weary. Even when they strike a rock instead of using the words God instructed them to use, water can still flow out from it.