The Transformation of a Bumbling Crusader

 

I've often wondered how far Moses walked that day with his sandals under his arm. I mean, he had just stood in awe beside a flaming shrub, now a place made sacred by the very presence of God. He heard God speak there. He received the assurance that God knew his circumstances. He received his assignment and a breath-taking promise. (Ex. 3)

 

When he finally pulled himself away from that life-altering encounter I suspect he walked a long distance before he stooped down and put his sandals back on. Once you experience the presence of God you can never be the same. Moses would encounter God again in the journey ahead but this was apparently the first time and it changed him from a bumbling crusader to a world-changer. The road was not always smooth, but a millennium and a half later the writer of Hebrews would say of him, "...he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible." (11:27)

 

That happens, you know. At church. But not just at church.

 

At church because it's His house; He invites us there because He longs to meet with us. At church because when we lift our voices to praise Him the angels draw near to join us. At church because when we pray, Scripture says He leans down to listen. At church because when we listen to His Word we are listening to His heart. But not just at church.

 

He promises, "...I am with you always," and "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Even splashing around in the GI tract of a huge fish. Even being chased across the desert by a mad woman. Even when you're flung into a cage of hungry lions. Even when an angry storm is about to engulf your little skiff. Even when an angry king turns up the heat in his smelter - and you're in the middle of it. Even when you're confronted on the courthouse steps by a lynch mob. Even when your family turns against you. Even when you're propositioned by a powerful government official. Those stories are included in His Book so we'll know this truth: I am with you always.

 

He is there; His hand is on your shoulder. He's got your back. He sees, He knows. Not like your little sister who is gleaning information so she can tattle, but as your Infallible Guide. Your All-wise Counselor. Your Powerful Deliverer. Your Solid Rock. Your BFF. Everywhere; all the time.

 

At church but not just at church.

 

By Don Jacobsen