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Every generation goes through it’s own peculiar challenges, that are in some ways, uniquely it’s own. It is what we learn from the life of the patriarchs in the Old Testament. Thus, this pandemic, could be the crisis of our generation, when life has boiled down to the basics, with everything seemingly, and indefinitely at a pause. A challenging time, it most definitely is, but it is also a time when you can, and you also need to seek the Lord more deeply. For, focusing on the infallible word of God, will see it increase, and mightily prevail in your life, and in your present circumstance.
You will know then, that you need not be anxious, for you have a God who cares for you, and you can therefore cast all your care on Him! He never leaves or forsakes you, and will cause all things to work together for your good, as you love Him, and are called according to His purpose. [Romans 8:28] And in the sufficiency of His grace you can find your rest, when you know the grace by which He who was unlimited, became poor on the Cross, so that you may move from lack to abundance, to enjoy peace that is wholeness. It is His good, perfect and pleasurable will for your life.
And therefore, it is the psalmist’s prayer, that continues to be the foundation of our study, to say, Teach me to do your will; for you are my God; And may Your good spirit lead me on level ground. [Psalm 143:10] And, the life of Moses, is a valuable example when it comes to doing the will of God to fulfill the call of God upon your life, that may seem beyond your capability to start with, even as it was to Moses. But God promised His very own presence, to help him in his calling, that he may deliver God’s people out of the cruel bondage of Egypt. And in the words of the prophet Isaiah, He promises how He is going to help you, by being with you, ‘I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand’. [Isaiah 41:10] And, what He will accomplish in you is also symbolically and picturesquely described, a little further on, in the words of the same prophet. He will help you, by making you like a polished arrow, to sharpen your skill, straighten your character, and empower you by the leading of the Holy Spirit, so that you may fulfill your call victoriously. [Isaiah 49:1-3]
In a time of famine:
And, famines do come, even in the life of those who are faithful to God. [Genesis 26:1] It is a truth, a practical reality, that can resonate deeply in your heart and mine today, in the midst of the world wide crisis that is leaving it perplexed, petrified and without provision, chafing at the sealing of borders, the feeling of being cloistered in one’s own home, restricted, and without recourse to carrying out one’s normal work. Famine exists at various levels therefore, a lack and inability that has come upon the world suddenly, and ostensibly with no sign of coming to an end in the near future, for the lingering effects of it could last even longer.
But, God leads and guides even in such circumstances, to make you as a polished arrow, is what beautifully comes through in the life of the patriarch Isaac, the son of Abraham. Studying the course of it can instruct you and edify you, as you hearken to the voice of God that speaks to you through the narrative, and in obedience yield willingly to His ways that are higher than man’s, while in the midst of a famine, that is a restriction of free movement, an inability to move from place to place.
In famine – a spiritual perspective:
Then the Lord appeared to him and said, Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. [Genesis 26:2] On the surface of it, it was an ordinary instruction from God. But digging deeper into it, would reveal to you that it was not really so. For, God wanted Isaac to dwell in a land that was going through a famine. On the other hand, Egypt was a land of plenty. And so, common sense that goes by sense knowledge alone would dictate to a person, to travel there, in order to live without any scarcity or lack. But it is where, when you are a spiritual person, the leading of the Holy Spirit comes into play, so that your common sense may now be sanctified commonsense! And the guidance of God, through the leading of the Holy Spirit could be very contrary to what is prescribed and followed by the people of the world.
For, the dimension of the Spirit, when taken into account, will reveal a picture that is very different to what you can see and know with your physical sense knowledge, that has no access to what lies in the unseen spiritual realm. It would be much like what the prophet Elisha was able to perceive, and consequently remain without fearing the army coming against them. His servant though, was baffled and disbelieving, when the prophet assured him, that there were more on their side, than against them, until Elisha prayed that the Lord would open his eyes to see. It was then that he was able to perceive in his spirit, to see that the mountain was full of chariots of fire, and horses, an army all around Elisha. [2 kings 8:8-18]
Sense knowledge is necessary of course, for one cannot go through life with blinkers on, refusing to acknowledge what is happening all around, but the truth remains that it is never complete. And therefore, to you and I too, it is always a challenge not to go merely by sense knowledge, but to seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, that you may find all other things added in your life, for He is your Father, who knows all that you need. And you are of more value in His sight than the birds that He takes care to feed, and the grass that He clothes in royal beauty. Going by what can be seen alone, can also mislead you. And the Bible is replete with examples of it, beginning with the fall of Adam and Eve, in the garden of Eden.
God’s redemption of mankind through the Lamb that was slain before the foundation of the world, then began with the call of one man, Abraham. He is known as the father of faith, for he looked beyond the transient temporal, to God’s permanent and eternal, that was unseen. It was thus that he was able to behave nobly, when the time came for him and his nephew Lot to separate, in giving him first choice when it came to choosing where to dwell. And, when driven solely by the dictates of the physical senses, Lot chose what was green and appealing to the eye, little did he know then, that he was going to progressively draw closer to Sodom and Gomorrah, the cities that earned the wrath of God owing to their vile behavior that was loathsome in the sight of God. Abraham though, in looking to God with spiritual perception, received the blessing of God to be rewarded with an inheritance from God, far eclipsing what he could have chosen depending on merely his senses and human wisdom. He only had to look up and see all around, in all directions, and all that his eyes could see, and walk through, was the abundant land, that was given to him and his descendants by God.[Genesis chapter 13]
Thus, seeing through the eyes of scripture, and having a godly point of view, will find you blessed at the place where God has ordained you to be. For, even in the midst of famine, you can be blessed, is the lesson gleaned through it all. And therefore, there is never the need in your life, as a child of God, to have the herd mentality, or to merely follow the crowd, in doing what everyone else is doing under the circumstances, the spiritual implications of which go deep within.
Going to Egypt – the spiritual implication:
Therefore, says the Holy One of Israel, ‘Because you despise this word; And trust in perversity and oppression, And rely on them’. [Isaiah 30:12] Going to Egypt, here spiritually implies, a rejection of God’s plans, for self made plans. And in His compassion, God goes on to warn His people of what the end of those who do it would be, for as He stretches forth His hand against the workers of iniquity, which the Egyptians certainly were, the one who helps, together with the one who is helped, would all perish together. [Isaiah 31:1-3] And, He is a God who is love, desiring that none may perish, even the wicked, but that all should turn to Him in repentance, to be saved. For, going against the counsel of God, stems from a heart of rebellion whose end is death, or an eternal separation from Him; and it is one that is never His desire.
Therefore, it may be an unheard of situation in your life and mine, when everything seems shut and locked down. But God has a specific plan for you, a place of provision where you may prosper, and be blessed to be a blessing. And His voice of loving compassion will speak to you through His word, even as you seek Him first. It is the promise of His word; one that can never fail; for all His promises are ‘Yes’ and ‘Amen’, in Christ Jesus, our Lord. ‘Your ears shall hear a voice behind you, Saying, This is the way; walk in it’, Whenever you turn to the right hand or the left. [Isaiah 30:21] And, as a child of God, living in the glory of a better and higher covenant, through the Cross of Calvary, His voice speaks to you within you, in your spirit, that has been cleansed by the Blood of the Lamb, to see the Holy Spirit, abide in you, as your ever present Helper.
Therefore, as a man of God has expressed it, when storms and disruptions arise in your life, let God be your first resort, instead of being your last port of call. And of course, He is the God who will not let you down, even when you turn to Him, after everything else fails. But, in turning to Him first, you would have saved yourself some needless detours, that involved needless pain. Dwell in this land, and I will be with you to bless you; for to you and your descendants, I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath that I swore to your father, Abraham. [Genesis 26:3] As a descendant of Abraham by your faith in Christ, it is a promise that comes even to you, this day, to say that God has an ordained place for you to dwell. And the purpose for it is simple but glorious. It is so that He may be with you to bless you! And what more could one ever need or desire in life?!
The blessing of godly fellowship:
Take heed to yourself that you do not offer your burnt offerings in every place that you see; But in the place which the Lord chooses in one of your tribes… [Deuteronomy 12:13,14] In the context of worship, God’s ordained place was where they were commanded to come together in worshiping Him. It was where the blessing of divine fellowship became the experience of the people of God.
The blessing of provision:
In the life of Abraham, God Himself chose the mountain, the place where he was called to approach God in worship and sacrifice. And in obedience Abraham built the altar, and it was at the very point of sacrificing Isaac, his son of promise whom God was calling him to offer up as a sacrifice to Him, that he heard the voice of God, to see the ram that God had already prepared. It speaks even in your heart and mine this day, to declare that in God’s ordained place for you, there will be provision, a meeting of your needs, by God, who has given His own Son, as the Lamb of sacrifice. And where Christ has died for your sins, the one perfect sacrifice, for the sins of the whole world, you live and do not die. [Genesis 22:1-19]
The blessing of promotion:
Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed him king over the house of Judah. [2 Samuel 2:4] It was what was in store for David, as he sought the Lord, and in obedience, dwelt in Hebron, the place ordained by God. And it is the promise of the blessing of being lifted up in life that comes to you, as you stay in God’s appointed place for you. God has the best in store for those who trust in Him. It is why David is able to confidently declare and find his rest in knowing that, God will choose our inheritance for us; The excellence of Jacob whom He loves. [Psalm 47:4] And then he goes on to affirm it saying, The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance. [Psalm 16:6]
You do not have to follow therefore, the pattern of the world. You are blessed when you stay in God’s path, for He will be with you to bless you, is His promise. [Genesis 26:3] The words of Moses, speak powerfully concerning the presence of God, to testify, how special he and the people of Israel were, and all because of the continual presence of God with them, in their wilderness journey, and the blessing of rest that came to them through it. [Genesis 33:14,15]
The nearness of His presence – your sufficiency:
The Lord will be with you, to take you to the place where He wants you to be. It is to be with Him, as you serve Him and follow Him. [John 12:26] And you are safest when you are in the center of His will for you. Therefore, may the words of the psalmist, be the response of your heart too , But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God; That I may declare all Your works. [Psalm 73:28] And today, in the new covenant, His nearness to you is deeper and closer, for as a child of God, He is in you; and greater is He who is in you, than he that is in the world.
In obedience lies the key :
Though his circumstances dictated otherwise, Isaac chose to obey the word of God. So Isaac dwelt in Gerar. [Genesis 26:6] A simple sentence, but it’s impact in the life of Isaac was profound. And the psalmist shows the way, the shifting of focus that needs to happen in you, in a similar situation, Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. [Psalm 37:3] It is a turning away from dwelling upon a situation of restriction and famine, to be upon the truth of God’s word, that declares His faithful nature, and one that is so, always and forever. It will keep you free of any frustration, that may tend to rise up in you, in an atmosphere such as this. Therefore, as it has been very aptly put in words, instead of fretfully thinking, ‘How can I get out of this?’, the attitude of your mind needs to be, ‘What can I get out of this?’, as you approach this present situation. For, the Lord wants to teach you what is profitable, through it all. He never plants you in a place, where you cannot grow.
HE teaches you to profit:
Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit; who leads you by the way that you should go’. [Isaiah 48:17] It is what God, who is your Redeemer is teaching you even in this period of time, that may seem to be very unprofitable to you. Financial lack may be staring you at the face, owing to the lock down, affecting all areas of the economy, but God is teaching you to profit, even in this downturn. He is equipping and sharpening you, as only He can, giving you the power to get wealth, and all for a glorious purpose, And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant, which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. [Deuteronomy 8:18] It is to confirm His covenant with you, as a descendant of Abraham by faith, that all nations may be blessed through you, as you dwell in the place that He shows you. Joseph, in the Old Testament, stands out as a very valuable example, in the words of the pharaoh, before whom he stood, one fine day, after many gloomy and restricted days, where in fact the word of God tested and refined him.
And pharaoh said to his servants, ‘Can we find such a one like this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?’ [Genesis 41:38] The same Spirit of God is in you today; and He is not dormant; He is working in you, teaching you to profit. It is how He leads and guides you, as you dwell in the place ordained and chosen by Him. And, your Redeemer lives. Thus, even when you experience loss, that is unexplained, unjustified, and is seemingly irreparable, you can look unto Him to be led in the path of His will, that you may recover all. For, you have a God who is a Redeemer and Restorer. It was what King David, after seeing great loss at Ziklag experienced, when on pursuing the enemy in obedience to God’s will and in His righteous path, he recovered all. [2 Samuel 30:8]
Peace like a river – ‘if only’!:
If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river.. [Isaiah 48:18] They are the words of compassionate regret, from the mouth of the Almighty God to His chosen people, who had not followed the path of His leading. But, it need not be His words to you , as you willingly choose to be led in His ways. And, therefore, your well being will indeed be like a river, your peace and prosperity like an ever flowing stream. And also, through the words of the psalmist, God has described with a longing affection, how He would have quickly subdued the enemies of His people, and also satisfied the people of Israel, with the finest of wheat, had they listened to His voice, and walked in His ways. [Psalm 81:13-16]
Here again, it would not be a painful and negative indictment about you, when you willingly chose to hear and obey His voice, for as He has promised, it would then see the quick destruction of what comes against you, and Him satisfying you with the finest and best, implying therefore a removal of all lack or famine in your life. The God of peace, will soon crush Satan under your feet. [Romans 16:20] May your heart be filled with joyful thanksgiving therefore, as you dwell in the land, ordained by God to you, feeding on the truth of His word, His faithfulness, as you await the outworking of His glorious promise to you. May you be soon set free and be satisfied, to be filled with His abundance, and wholeness that is peace. For, God is with you, to bless you!
In the Name of Christ Jesus Amen.
