1. God Is Seeking Us
A few weeks ago Jedidiah and Elsa were here and were playing Hide And Seek. They hid together and I looked and looked, through all the rooms and could not find them. They were very quiet and I talked as I went through each room, but they never answered. I finally told them that they won and they could come out. They were under the baby bed, behind a box of toys in a spot that I would not have thought big enough for both of them together. They were so excited that they had hidden so well that I could not find them. This week I was reading in Ezekiel and I came to a very sad verse. Ezekiel is a book of prophecy about God's coming judgment on His sinful people. God was longsuffering and gave ample warning, but the people did not listen to His warning from the prophets. God says in Ezekiel 22:30, "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none." God seemed to speak to me through this verse, and I feel that it would be a good theme for our next devotionals. We will begin with God seeking us, and see where He leads from there.
2. "Where Art Thou?"
I want to begin with the very beginning. Adam and Eve lived in the garden of Eden and had fellowship with God. Once they ate of the forbidden fruit, their eyes were opened to their sin and they first tried to cover their sin by sewing fig leaves together to make clothes. Then, they tried to hide from God. God is all-knowing and we should know that we can't hide from Him because He also sees all. And even though God asked, "Where art thou?", He knew where they were and what they had done. When God asks us questions it is not to give Him knowledge, but He is showing us the answers through the questioning. When we have sin in our lives our first response may be to try to hide it from God and we stray away from Him. Nothing can separate us from the love of God, but our sin can separate us from the communion and fellowship we have with Him. I want to encourage you today to turn to the Lord. Don't crawl deeper into your little hiding place, because He knows where you are. Confess your sin to Him and He will forgive your sin and your fellowship with the Savior can be restored.
"6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself." (Genesis 3:6-10)
3. Be The One
What began with the sin of disobedience in the lives of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden escalated to complete depravity in ten generations. "And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." (Genesis 6:5) In Ezekiel 22:30 God sought for a man and found none, but we can be thankful that before God destroyed the world with the great flood, He found a man. "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD." (Genesis 6:8) Noah was the one. Noah and his wife, their three sons, and their wives were the only ones that escaped the judgment of the Lord. Noah's brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins, and all of his neighbors refused to hear and believe. They could see the immense ark as Noah was building it. They could watch him gather the food and animals to load onto the ark. And even though II Peter 2:5 tells us that Noah was a "preacher of righteousness", they refused God's plan to save them. Noah was the one. Today I want to encourage you to be the one. Maybe you want to go to church, but nobody in your family goes to church. Be the one. Hear the Word of God and accept God's gift of salvation. Maybe you feel like taking your Bible to work where you could read it during your lunch break, but no one else talks about knowing God. Be the one. God may give you the opportunity to share His Word in a special way as others see you taking time to read it. God is seeking for men and women to carry the gospel message to a lost and dying world. You may not be called to be a missionary to a foreign land, but you can share the good news that "Jesus Saves" right where you live. I am sure that Noah was heart-broken when so many of his family and friends were lost in the flood, but we can all be thankful that he was the one that heard and listened to God's Word.
4. Someone To Intercede For Others
I am so grateful that my Lord and Savior makes intercession on my behalf. (Romans 8:34) Did you realize that we can also intercede for others? Before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah He went to Abraham and told him what He was about to do. God gave Abraham the opportunity to intercede for Lot.
"17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;...
20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
26 And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes." (Portions of Genesis 18:17-26)
I believe that Abraham knew of the wickedness of the cities because he went from 50 righteous, down to 45, 40, 30, 20, and even as low as 10. And the Lord said that He would not destroy the cities if He found 10 righteous people there. But only Lot and his wife, and their two unmarried daughters escaped before the fire fell on Sodom. We find in the New Testament that God is seeking for someone to intercede for others. Let it be me... let it be you.
"1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;" (I Timothy 2:1-3)
5. The Lord Sought A Man After His Own Heart
After King Saul disobeyed the Lord, God rejected him from being king and Samuel told Saul, "But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee." (I Samuel 13:14) God sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint the son of Jesse to be king, so he called Jesse and his sons to come to the sacrifice.
"5 And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.
6 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him.
7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." (I Samuel 16:5-7)
God did not allow Samuel the Priest to anoint either of Jesse's sons, so Jesse sent for David, the youngest who was out in the field watching the sheep. "Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward." (I Samuel 16:13) In chapter 17 the three older sons of Jesse are sent to battle against the Philistines. Jesse sends David with some food and to see how they are doing. I believe that Eliab was still thinking about being passed over to be king when he saw David come into the camp.
"28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.
29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?" (I Samuel 17:28-29)
As we think about God's seeking out men and women today let's look at this story of David. God sought him because he was a man after God's own heart. Do we follow after God's own heart? Our outward appearance does not matter. God sees our heart. Another important part of this story is David's response, "Is there not a cause?" When his older brothers were fussing at him for being there and falsely accusing him, he stood for the cause. I don't think Christians in America have ever had a greater "cause" to stand. The world looks at us and doesn't see very much, but God sees our heart and He is seeking for those who will take a stand for His cause.
6. The Lord Sought Amos To Prophesy
God often sought out prophets to deliver His message to the people. The Children of Israel were probably enjoying the prophecy of Amos as he began telling of God's judgment against their enemies, such as Damascas, Gaza, Ashdod, Tyrus, and Moab. In Amos 2:4-5, he included Judah. "Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked: But I will send a fire upon Judah, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem." In the next verse God begins, and continues with several chapters, of His judgment against Israel. "Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes;" (Amos 2:6) This infuriated the priest and he tried to send Amos to the land of Judah.
"10 Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words.
11 For thus Amos saith, Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of their own land.
12 Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there:
13 But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the king's chapel, and it is the king's court.
14 Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:
15 And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel." (Amos 7:10-15)
Today we see that God seeks out Christians to give out His message. We may not be a preacher, or a Sunday school teacher. We may not have a degree in Bible study. Amos said, "I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son..." He was a shepherd and gatherer of sycomore fruit. If God can use Amos, then we should not doubt when He wants to use us to share His Word.
7. God Sees Our Potential
Back during the time of Judges, before there was a king in Israel, the Midianites encamped against Israel and destroyed their fields and substance so that they had no food. Because of this, Gideon could not thresh his wheat out in the open where the wind could blow away the chaff, but he did it down in the wine press where he could hide it from the Midianites.
"12 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
14 And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?
15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.
16 And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man." (Judges 6:12-16)
Gideon certainly did not feel like a "mighty man of valour." He was hiding from his enemies, he was from a poor family, and he felt like he was the least in his family. God gave Gideon the courage and strength that he needed to win the battle.
"16 And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers.
17 And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do.
18 When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon." (Judges 7:16-18)
When their enemies awoke suddenly to the sound of the breaking pitchers and trumpets, and the glaring lights, they rose up and killed each other. God saw what Gideon could do with His help. God also sees what we can do with the courage and strength from the Lord. God sees our potential and He is seeking for those who will follow Him and rely on His might and power.
8. God May Bring Us Low, To Lift Us Up
About five years ago I was preparing lasagna for guests, cleaning house, and snacking on peanut M & Ms when I started having trouble getting my breath. Michael took me to the doctor, who sent me to the hospital when my blood pressure rose so high. That's how my asthma began, and I have since learned that I cannot eat peanuts, and many other things, that affect my breathing. Not being able to get oxygen into my body is the most helpless feeling I have ever had. I always considered myself to be a healthy person, until asthma brought me down. I have learned that I have very distinct limitations, and I don't dare try to cross them. I don't know why I developed this condition at such a late stage in my life, but I feel that God has brought me closer to Him as I grasped the full understanding of "without God, I am nothing." I have learned that sometimes God brings us low, so that He can lift us up. Our Biblical example today is Joseph. His brothers cast him down into a pit, then he was sold into slavery and carried down to Egypt. His master's wife lied about him and Joseph was thrown down into prison. But God, lifted him up and he was made ruler over Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. After Jacob died, Joseph's brothers were afraid because of the way they had treated him, but Joseph realized that God had been with him all along.
"19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them." (Genesis 50)19-21)
Have you been brought low? Look up, to the Lord.
"1 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
4 Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust,..." (Psalm 40:1-4)
9. God Is Seeking Dads And Grandfathers To Stand In The Gap
This will be the 18th Father's Day I have spent without my Dad. I was blessed to be raised in a Christian home and my Mom and Dad always took me to church. I saw my Dad read his Bible and often heard him pray. And though I miss him, I know that I will see him again in heaven. Last week we looked at some people in the Bible who God sought to live for Him. We are still in Ezekiel 22:30, but I want to focus on the part of the verse that tells us God sought a man to "stand in the gap". Many of the older Christians I knew growing up have already gone on to heaven. God is looking for Christians who will take their place and stand in the gap they left behind. Our Bible example today is Joshua. In the last chapter of his life, after being a servant to Moses, and after leading the people into the Promised Land, he told the people, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15) Will you stand in the gap left by those who have gone on, and choose to serve the Lord in your house?
10. God Is Seeking Family To Stand In The Gap
Each member of a family can have a positive impact on the children. I often see children who are in the care of their grandparents. In Paul's letter to young Timothy, he mentioned the great faith of his grandmother, and mother.
"3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also." (II Timothy 1:3-5)
Brothers and sisters can also help stand in the gap. When Jochebed hid Moses in the little ark, Miriam stood by and watched over him.
"3 And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink.
4 And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him." (Exodus 2:3-4)
In our final example we see how when Andrew met Jesus, he went and found his brother Peter, and took him to Jesus. Bringing our family and friends to Jesus is a wonderful way to stand in the gap.
"37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.
40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone." (John 1:37-42)
11. God Is Seeking Preachers To Stand In The Gap
Because I was brought up going to church I have heard many good preachers in my life. And, because I am almost 60 years old, many of the ones I heard years ago have already gone on. God is seeking preachers to stand in the gap, left by those faithful men of God who preached from the Word of God. Pine Grove Baptist will host the Youth Jubilee again this summer, July 15th through July 18th. We are located at 6308 Modlin Grove Road, Archdale, North Carolina. It is such a joy to see and hear young preachers taking their place in God's pathway. It is a blessing to be able to feed these young people, and also see them being spiritually fed. I invite you to join us, and be blessed! "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14) Our Biblical example today is found in II Kings 2:13-14. "He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over." God chose Elisha to stand in Elijah's place, and he began in asking the question, "Where is the LORD God of Elijah?" I once heard a sermon that was titled, "Where are the Elijah's of the Lord God?" Pray for the young preachers who are willing to take a stand and follow God.
12. God Is Seeking Some To Stand Their Ground
Several years ago when we worked with the youth at church we planned a Bible Feast. We asked each person to bring a food or drink that is found in the Bible. One of the ladies in our church gave us figs from her fig tree, and one of the things that I took was a big pot of lentiles. I discovered that day that nobody in our group liked figs, and only a few liked the lentiles. In the 23rd chapter of II Samuel, King David listed 37 of his mighty men. Near the top of the list is Shammah. "And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory." (II Samuel 23:11-12) When we talked about Gideon we saw how the enemies of Israel would come and steal their food from their fields. Not this time. When the Philistines came to a ground full of lentiles, Shammah stood his ground. In essence he was telling them, "Not this field!" Through his faith in the Lord he believed, "This is my field!" and he defended it, and slew the Philistines. The enemies of God will come and try to destroy and steal what we have. God is seeking some to stand their ground, through faith in Him, and say, "Not this time!" "This is my family!" "This is my home!" Don't let Satan come in and take what is yours! Stand your ground and defend what God has given you!
13. God Is Seeking Some To Stand Fast In The Faith
Have you ever watched a little baby who is just learning to stand. He may crawl over to a chair, and carefully grasp hold with his little hands, and pull up with all his might - to stand, and then he will just stand. And as he stands, he may quiver a little, but the longer he stands the more strength he gains. And as he gains strength, he will also gain stability, and courage, and soon he will learn to walk. We could use this to describe our lives as we learn to stand fast in the faith. I see this in Ephesians 6:13 and the beginning of verse 14. "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand... Stand therefore,". Sometimes it takes all the strength we have to just stand. But as we stand God gives us strength, and stability, and courage, and soon we can stand fast in the faith. But, before we can "withstand in the evil day" we need to make sure we put on the whole armor of God. You may be familiar with these verses in Ephesians 6, but I hope that as you read them today you will be encouraged by God's Word to stand in this "evil day, and having done all, to stand, Stand therefore!"
"10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"
14. Moses Gained Ground By Standing Still
Sometimes God wants us to go forward, but there are other times when He wants us to stand still. I found four verses where Moses stood still and God stood for Him and His people.
Moses stood by the Red Sea and God opened up the way. When the Children of Israel went out of Egypt they came to the Red Sea and the Egyptians came up behind them, and there was no place for them to go. Sometimes God will lead us to what seems like a dead end so that we will rely on Him to open up the way. This might come to us financially, mentally, or even physically. In those times we need to trust in God as we "stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD." "And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever." (Exodus 14:13)
Moses stood before the people on the rock in Horeb and God provided water out of the rock. Paul tells us in I Corinthians 10:4, "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." Jesus is our Rock, our sure foundation, and He will supply our needs, and never fail us. "Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel." (Exodus 17:6)
Moses stood on the hill and held up his hand to the Lord, and God gave the victory. Not long after the Israelites began their journey, Amalek came up against them to fight with them. "And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand." (Exodus 17:9) As long as Moses held his hand high towards heaven, Israel won the battle, but after a while his hands grew heavy. So, Aaron and Hur stood on either side and held up the hands of Moses until the battle had been won. This story tells us to keep our hands high in praise to our God, even as we go through our battles. We also learn to help others when their heads and hands get heavy during their trials.
Even after the people had greatly sinned, Moses found sweet communion with God. After the people were plagued because they worshiped the golden calf, Moses cried out to God.
"12 And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.
13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.
14 And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
15 And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.
18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.
21 And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:" (Exodus 33)
How assuring to know that although we sin and we often fail the Lord, He still seeks fellowship with us and He tells us, "There is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock." Praise the Lord!
15. Our Last Stand
We have taken our phrase, "stand in the gap", and found some great encouragement in the scriptures. Today we are looking at our last "stand" in the Bible. The Apostle Paul said in Romans 14:10, "...we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ." While John was exiled on the Isle of Patmos, God gave him a vision of the last days, and he also saw a glimpse of heaven. He describes the scene as we stand before God in judgment.
"11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:11-15)
We will all stand before God in judgment, and we will also fall on our knees as we bow before Jesus Christ, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
"For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." (Romans 14:11)
"8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:8-11)
16. Who Will Make Up The Hedge?
My Dad really enjoyed taking care of animals, which included a few cows. He had an upper pasture where they ate until it was about bare, then he transferred them to the lower pasture. He always called us to come help when he needed to move them to the new pasture, so we went and parked the cars in two lines between the two fence gates. We would spread out between the cars and fill in the gaps to make up the hedge. The older cows knew the greener grass was on the other side so they would go easily from one fence to another. Sometimes a new calf would not follow the herd, but would take off between one of the gaps and the boys would enjoy trying to get ahead of it to chase it back to the herd. We are still looking at Ezekiel 22:30, "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none." I want to focus a couple days on "make up the hedge". I have often heard that a chain is no better than its weakest link. We could also say that a hedge is no better than its widest gap. I enjoy reading the book of Nehemiah, where some of the Israelites went back to Jerusalem from their captivity, and built the wall. The third chapter tells which groups built the wall, and even tells of some who "put not their necks to the work of their Lord." Each group repaired their section of the wall, and the next group repaired next to them, until they "made up the hedge" and filled in all the gaps.
"1 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.
2 And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.
3 But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
4 And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.
5 And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord." (Nehemiah 3:1-5)
They had opposition, but they kept on working. At times they had to work with one hand, and hold a weapon in the other. "So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work." (Nehemiah 4:6) We don't have the individual names from each of these families, but the Lord knows their names. And they will be rewarded for their part in doing the work of the Lord. It is still the same today. The Lord knows the names of His children, and they shall receive their rewards for their service to Him. Do your part to make up the hedge.
17. Do You Feel Hedged In?
Susanna, our daughter, used to have a little dog named Kipper. It was sweet, and playful, but she would not stay in the yard. At first she would dig under the fence. After we secured the bottom to keep her from digging, she learned to climb over the fence. She did not realize that the fence was there for her protection. It was meant to keep her out of the busy road, and also keep her from harm from other larger dogs. This reminds me of the hedge in the book of Job. First, we see Satan's view of the hedge about Job. He saw that God had a hedge about Job which kept him safe.
"9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land." (Job 1:9-10)
A few chapters later, after Job lost his children, his wealth, and his health, we see that Job felt like God had hedged him in, in a bad way. "Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in?" (Job 3:23) Instead of seeing the hedge as protection, Job viewed the hedge more like a prison. God protects us and gives us His Word to guide us. Pastor Jack Trip used I Samuel 3:18 in his sermon Sunday night. The Lord appeared to little Samuel and he had to tell Eli some disturbing news of what the Lord was going to do. "And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good." But, even though the judgment would be against his own family, Eli said, "It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good." When it feels as though the Lord has hedged us in, we might look at it as confinement, but it will be better for us to see it as His protection and say with Eli, "It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good."
18. Seek And Ye Shall Find
My uncle came to visit Monday and I told him I would pick a squash for him from my garden. Michael helped me look and we found two good sized squash, and three cucumbers to give him as he was leaving. As we walked back to the house we were talking about what to have for dinner, and decided on a frozen pizza and salad. I said, "Oh, I gave all my cucumbers away. But, maybe I can find another one." I walked back down to the garden and prayed that if there was another cucumber there, God would help me find it. As I started down the row, I saw one, just the right size for my salad. And I thanked the Lord, because it is important to give God thanks, especially when He answers our prayers. Cucumbers have a way of hiding under the large leaves, and you really have to seek them to find them. I was happy that I found another one. Our devotional title this time has been "Are You Seeking?" I want to finish this week with Bible verses about things we can be seeking, beginning with Matthew 7:7-8 which encourages us to "seek, and ye shall find..." When we seek direction and guidance from God's Word, He will help us find the way.
"7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."
19. Seek The Lord
People today are seeking many things. Some are seeking someone who will love them. Others need someone who will lift them up, and be there to lean on, when life gets them down. Many are seeking for guidance, help with their problems, or strength and courage to make it through another day. You may be looking for joy in your soul, peace of mind, or hope, for a brighter tomorrow. Did you know that all of these things can be found in the Lord Jesus? Here are just a few of the scriptures that encourage us to seek the Lord.
"Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:6-7)
"... it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you." (Hosea 10:12)
"Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD." (Psalm 105:3)
"... they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing." (Psalm 34:10)
"Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified." (Psalm 40:16)
"Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually." (I Chronicles 16:10-11)
"But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul." (Deuteronomy 4:29)
"Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore." (Psalm 105:4)
20. Seek Wisdom
I recently read the book of Daniel, and although he had been taken captive, he was made "ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon." (Daniel 2:48) God gave Daniel wisdom in understanding dreams, and showed him visions of what would come to pass in the future. Understanding of the book of Daniel was sealed until the end time. "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." (Daniel 12:4) I believe that we are in the "time of the end" and people really do "run to and fro". They commute back and forth on their daily jobs, they travel to distant places for vacation, and they even run just for the sake of running. We are also living in a time when knowledge has increased. We have all the knowledge that has been built upon, since the Bible was written. We have access to this knowledge at our fingertips and can look up answers to any question we may have, by typing, or even by speaking. But, notice that the verse does not say that wisdom shall increase. When you see how easily younger people follow foolish challenges, it seems as though they have very wisdom. One reason can be found several times in the scriptures. "And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding." (Job 28:28) "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever." (Psalm 111:10) "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7) King Solomon, the wisest king, tried to teach his sons, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." (Proverbs 4:7) He was telling them to seek after wisdom. Pray for wisdom. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5) James also tells us, "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." (James 3:17) I want this wisdom that is from above! How about you?
21. Seek Ye First The Kingdom Of God
You can see it on television, see it in stores, just about anywhere you turn, people are telling you what you should be seeking after. From the car you are supposed to drive, down to the toothpaste you should use. They are all trying to sell their product, and make you feel like you really need it to be happy in life. Contentment is almost a thing of the past. Let's read what the Lord said about seeking after clothes, and food and drink. These are necessities of life, but Jesus was clear that we don't have to worry about them, when we seek after the kingdom of God.
"25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:25-33)
22. The Lord Jesus Is Still Seeking
As we close our series on, "Are You Seeking?" I want to encourage you by telling you that the Lord Jesus Christ is still seeking. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He came from heaven to give His life for the sheep. "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." (John 10:11) As the Good Shepherd, He is seeking the sheep that are lost.
"4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost." (Luke 15:4-6)
If you are seeking salvation, please ask Jesus to forgive you and save you and He will give you everlasting life. If you have strayed away from the Lord, He is seeking to restore that fellowship. He was speaking to the church when He said, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20) "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:6-7)
Are You Seeking?
