Vol II: #97 Hope of Glory
I have, with good intent, long existed in the gray space between black and white. But, for some time, the Lord has defined the clear differences between His kingdom and what it ain’t. He is love and gratitude and forgiveness and eternal hope. He is the good report when the land is infested with enemies. Or, to put it in modern vernacular, God sees good bones in a house no one wants. And, His vision is never wrong.
My most concrete idea of walking with the Lord came from reading Exodus and the rest of Torah. After Egypt, the children of Israel endured a purification process, to remove the Egypt from their DNA. This process is for all of us, and one we can shorten if we partner (daily and always) with the Holy Spirit. Though none of us love the desert process, we dream of the Promised Land. And, so we fix our eyes on it, which is a trap. Only by fixing our gaze on Him (Matthew 6:33) do we walk into what He promised.
The second concrete idea concerns the aforementioned Promised Land. For most of my life I thought the Promised Land would be easy street, and I believe many Christians fall into the same trap. But, go read what the Israelites had to do to claim the Promised Land. It wasn’t a victory parade. Nope. It was work and continued to be work long after they cleared the land of enemies. The work was in restoring the land to its purpose and to maintain connection to the Lord. The attacks and distractions never stop coming. Bank on it.
We in 2022, are no different than the children of Israel. We complain, belittle, hold offense, settle for less, and long for the security of our bondage(addictions and greed) when the winds of life blow. Jesus slept in the storms and rebuked the winds. He didn’t complain or lose hope or hold offense. He restored those who betrayed Him(Peter) and commissioned them for greater works. That’s who He is and who I aim to be like.
For a long time I didn’t think I could be like a Heidi Baker or a Freddie Powers. And, though I admire them now, that wasn’t always the case. For years, I criticized their processes and highlighted their mistakes. Today, I know good leaders never stop making mistakes and someone is always going to be offended. It is the discontent and fearful who find fault and lob insults, usually from the sidelines. Both of these women radiate joy and hope. Despite whatever is thrown at them or flaws they have, they carry on tending to their Promised Land.
After writing this post, I feel as though I’ve written all this before- in one capacity or another. But, today it is more real than ever. I’m effortlessly more aware of my words than ever. This isn’t my doing, but His. What a gift, to be free from anger and shame. And more than freedom, to live and believe, trust and hope.
