So, the Lord has me reading the Old Testament some more. I have studied Ruth - and her choice to follow God and God fearing people, even against their wishes and all human logic. And now I am reading 1 Samuel.
In the beginning of 1 Samuel, there is a series of misunderstandings. Honest misunderstandings. Hannah, being the one of Elkanah's two wives without children, desires to have children badly. When her "rival (wife) used to provoke her grievously to irritate her," Hannah sought the Lord. She went to the temple, "deeply distressed and praying to the Lord and wept bitterly." She remained there praying, and Eli the priest was observing her. But, "Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman!!"
Can you imagine? Pouring your heart out to God, only to have the priest confront you for being drunk in the temple?!
Then, there is Samuel, who misunderstands God! The Lord speaks audibly to him while he is sleeping one night, so Samuel wakes and runs to Eli saying "Here am I!" Confused, Eli says he didn't call him, so Samuel returns to bed. Then the Lord called "Samuel" again - and again Samuel ran to Eli! The third time God called Samuel - Eli percieved it was God calling, and so Samuel was able to answer the Lord. How many times do we put God "in a box" - and think God can't be TALKING to ME!
There have been so many misunderstandings in my life the past few months. I am fairly convinced that there probably always will be, as long as I am living to please God and not man. God calls us often to do things that don't seem rational. It dosen't make much "sense" to do some of the things God has commanded us - to just give money and things, or to love our enemies.
And think about Jesus - he ate with the tax collectors and prostitutes, and didn't cohort with the pharisees. He was misunderstood. Even His desciples didn't understand why he would spend time talking to children instead of preaching to adults. And Jesus is "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come." Ephesians 1:21
So, God and God alone is our authority, even when following Him might look strange or cause misunderstandings. God is bigger than what we see a situation to be. He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings.
I'm in Auburn! I am tired and jetlagged and already miss Africa - but I am here!
Not understanding, being misunderstood...oh the stories...God leads in mysterious ways, who are we to question? But we know we are to be obedient. They don't understand, we don't always understand. The mysteries of living a life of faith. The peace that passes understanding. I guess we continue to learn, it's all about our heart. I hope your heart is good, in spite of all things! God bless you for what you've done. God bless you for what He will continue to do with/in you.
ReplyDelete