Tuesday, July 22, 2014

"The Big What If"

As I was writing for the kids devotional today I wrote about Noah and the Ark. In the process I shared with them this bit of information... "Now stop and think about this fact. When all those animals came in and lived in the ark for those forty days and nights; Who do you think took care of them? The Bible scholars believe that there were around 17,600 different species and they figure there were more than 45,000 animals on the ark. That is a lots of animals to feed! What that also meant for Noah and his family was a whole lot of hard work, first to build it that big, to gather that much food, and then to take care of the animals once they were in it!"

Have you ever really stopped to think about all the work and preparation that went into the whole "Noah's Ark and the Flood" event? It was a huge undertaking and an immense amount of hard work. And the thing is God picked the right man for the job because Noah stayed faithful till it was completed. Is it any wonder that the Word has this to say about him. "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God." Genesis 6:8-9 So, at this point you probably think that today's message for us is also about Noah and the building of the ark when in truth it really isn't. I just think that Noah's faithfulness in the face of the incredibly hard amazing job that he had to do deserves a mention especially in comparison to what I really want to talk about.

What I really want to talk about is this.. 45,000 animals showed up and went into the ark to Noah. Genesis 7:9. Wouldn't that event alone cause you to believe? 17,600 species coming together into one place. Wouldn't that have been enough to convince you that God is about to do what He said He would? 17,600 species - more than 45,000 animals had to of been noticed and it had to of made an impression! Why didn't more people believe? When did they figure it out? After a few days of rain when it was too late?

What about this event...Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, 'Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians?' For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness." And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians, you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." And the Lord said to Moses , "Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea."Exodus 14:12-16

Once again we see the multitude of people doubting and not choosing God. He had just done all kinds of miracles getting them released from their bondage in Egypt.  He had shown them that He went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people. Exodus 13:21-22 His presence went before them. He led them to this particular place. He had the plan in place. Why didn't they trust Him? Why did they as a people doubt? When did they start to believe that He wouldn't fail them? Was it when Moses declared His words of faith? "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians, you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." Was it when he lifted His staff and the wind that God sent to blow back the waters came? Or maybe it was not until they finally had to choose for themselves to actually go forward; one step at a time until they were in between the two great walls of water.

There are always going to be tons of people who miss out on the blessings and provision of God because there are always going to be multitudes who are quick to doubt! There will also always be a man or woman like Noah, Moses, David, Ruth, Daniel, Easter, Peter, John, Paul etc. who will listen, obey, and stand firm for God. When Moses stretched out that staff and the wind started to blow people had to make a choice. When they stepped forward to pass between those great walls of water they had to choose to believe that He would continue to hold them back.

Its pretty easy for us today to sit in judgment and wonder about the choices that have gone before us BUT, What if 17,600 different species and 45,000 animals moved into the neighborhood? Would we recognize that God was about to move?

What if suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as a rushing mighty wind, that filled the whole house and there appeared to them divided tongues as of fire that sat upon each of them and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues. Acts 2:3-4 Would we be the ones who are accusing them of being drunk or would we see the power of God and receive it for ourselves?

What if we were  the ones standing at the edge of the water and we had to make the choice. Here is the big what if. WHAT IF it were you? Would you dare to step forward and pass through the waters, trusting Him to keep the water as a wall on either side of you? Knowing that if He doesn't, you will drown. Would you trust Him and step forward?

Will we be a people who doubts or a people who trusts that He will keep His word. Will we be a people who will believe Him when He says, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:1-3

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