Got Fruit ?

I started to draft up a post on a book that I read some years ago that impacted me, however I got into a bit of a blogger’s block with how to articulate my thoughts, so that’s on the back-burner for now. So what does one do when they hit a wall? Read, go watch TV, nah… “Google” something or visit a blog or two, which is what I opted for.

I dropped in to see what’s new on the mind of fellow blogger/bloggett Jen of WalkTwo this evening. Jen’s posted her thoughts on feeling as though she’s doing the same old mundane things. Earlier in the month, there was a post titled: “Shifting out of Neutral” in which I shared similar feelings and concerns.

The Bible is filled with radical characters which serve to motivate and inspire us in our walk with Christ. Jesus Christ without a doubt being the primary radical and the reason for the other characters to be as well. Then there’s Paul/Saul who, by God’s will and power bought about great spiritual, social, and religious changes. Timothy the successor to Paul’ ministry, was probably considered a radical, if not by the world then at least by his own “brethren” in the church, some of who were envious, or uneasy of his position given his young age. David of Old Testament times was a radical, though some may find it hard to comprehend given the Conan The Barbarian world view of David’s role in God’s plan.

Who knows but God, what He has in store for you and your walk in life? The details, or at least the general idea for some may be crystal clear, they are to be missionaries, or to start new churches for the kingdom, to enter into service for The Lord as pastors, ministers, and preachers, dare I say, perhaps even as televangelist’s. For others, what God, has planned over our lives is not so clear, and the thought that comes to mind is this… maybe, just maybe, we (me, you,them, us) are not where we need to be yet with the Lord. I’m not making innuendo to what personal demons are still to be exercised, or what stumbling blocks are still in the way, for temptation is always lurking around the corner. I’m making reference to being at that point, that season or time where God knows that you are ready for the next step.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been reading from The Old Testament quite a bit, and Scripture that comes to mind concerning how we may feel as though we’re not effectual or otherwise radical enough comes from 1st Chronicles 17. David was dismayed concerning the housing of the Ark of the covenant of the Lord (under a tent), while he himself lived in a fine palace of Cedar. From the text, it’s assumed that David was planning to build a palatial house for the ark, God however, had other plans…

1st Chronicles 17:7-14 (NIV)
7 “Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the flock, to be ruler over my people Israel. 8 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name like the names of the greatest men of the earth. 9 And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning 10 and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also subdue all your enemies.
” ‘I declare to you that the LORD will build a house for you: 11 When your days are over and you go to be with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. 12 He is the one who will build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. 13 I will be his father, and he will be my son. I will never take my love away from him, as I took it away from your predecessor. 14 I will set him over my house and my kingdom forever; his throne will be established forever.’ “

In the 8 verses, God establishes 16 times what He has done (past), is doing (present) or will do (future) within David’s lineage.

God’s past actions:

• took David from the pastures
• cut off David’s enemies
• appointed leaders (including David)

God’s present actions:

• always with David (faithful)
• provider of a land for His people
• exalted him to be a great leader among men
• makes a promise to build a heavenly house for David (his lineage etc through Jesus Christ)

God’s future actions:

• promises of a successor through David’s family line (Jesus Christ)
• establish His kingdom
• establish His rule/authority
• Be the father to David’s successor (Jesus)
• forever love His Son

What resonates from 1st Chronicles 17:7-14 are the following thoughts:

• God’s plan over our lives may be a long term deal
• We may not see the total outcome of in our lifetime
• What we consider as grand or radical may not be inline with God’s will
• God is still God, and he’s still in control

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

I pray that you find peace and comfort not in my words, but in God’s word. To Him be the glory.

Grace and peace be with you.