Peace Comes from Obedience
Today's reading from oneyearbible.com
zechariah 2:1-3:10; revelation 13:1-18; psalm 141:1-10; proverbs 30:18-20
Zechariah 2:1-3:10
In today's reading, the exiles are being called home by the Lord to their land of origin in Jerusalem (2:6-7). They are promised safety within the city (2:5) and to live in the presence of the Lord (2:10). Sadly, only a remnant decide to return (50,000 out of several hundred thousand). Ellen Gould White writes in The Story of Prophets and Kings, "The great majority of Israelites had chosen to remain in the land of their exile rather than undergo the hardships of the return journey and the re-establishment of their desolated cities and homes."
I wonder how often we refuse the Lord's invitation due to the arduous nature of the work that lie ahead? In this case, the Israelites think they will be happier and better off staying in Babylon. (Bear in mind Babylon represents a life of slavery). Indeed, for those who returned home there was great difficulty, persecution, and even death that lie ahead. Nonetheless, the Lord had called them. Those who stayed behind in Babylon were in disobedience.
The only truly satisfying and safe place is the one in which God calls us. Even at the risk of death, obedience to God's call is His will for us. A life in pursuit of His call is the only guarantee of joy and purpose. Sure, we may choose to neglect it or suppress it for a season, but a true call from the Lord never completely goes away. And until we respond in obedience we will never have true peace.
GrantJ
Today's reading from oneyearbible.com
zechariah 2:1-3:10; revelation 13:1-18; psalm 141:1-10; proverbs 30:18-20
Zechariah 2:1-3:10
In today's reading, the exiles are being called home by the Lord to their land of origin in Jerusalem (2:6-7). They are promised safety within the city (2:5) and to live in the presence of the Lord (2:10). Sadly, only a remnant decide to return (50,000 out of several hundred thousand). Ellen Gould White writes in The Story of Prophets and Kings, "The great majority of Israelites had chosen to remain in the land of their exile rather than undergo the hardships of the return journey and the re-establishment of their desolated cities and homes."
I wonder how often we refuse the Lord's invitation due to the arduous nature of the work that lie ahead? In this case, the Israelites think they will be happier and better off staying in Babylon. (Bear in mind Babylon represents a life of slavery). Indeed, for those who returned home there was great difficulty, persecution, and even death that lie ahead. Nonetheless, the Lord had called them. Those who stayed behind in Babylon were in disobedience.
The only truly satisfying and safe place is the one in which God calls us. Even at the risk of death, obedience to God's call is His will for us. A life in pursuit of His call is the only guarantee of joy and purpose. Sure, we may choose to neglect it or suppress it for a season, but a true call from the Lord never completely goes away. And until we respond in obedience we will never have true peace.
GrantJ
No comments:
Post a Comment