For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. 2Chronicles 16:9a
I received a rebuke from the Lord this morning, wrapped in My Utmost for His Highest (Chambers, 1963):
To be faithful in every circumstance means that we have only one loyalty, and that is to the Lord. Suddenly God breaks up a particular set of circumstances, and the realization comes that we have been disloyal to Him by not recognizing that He had ordered them; we never saw what He was after and that particular thing will never be repeated all the days of our life.
#iamjustthepen because God has orchestrated my life to be His instrument in this way. To be His pen is my greatest joy. To know I could lose that relationship with Him has me more than a little concerned.
God is looking to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him, not on behalf of those whose hearts are casual with His will, His commands, and His purpose for their life.
Furthermore, God has called me to help Christian leaders find joyful, Spirit-filled ministry. That is the desire and passion He put in my heart for this season of my life. Am I inhibiting the manifestation of His strength by my measured loyalty? Could He be showing Himself stronger through me toward the Christian leaders I long to serve?
According to BlueLetterBible.org, the Hebrew word translated as “loyal” (šālēm) includes complete, perfect, and whole. The RSV and NASB use the phrases “whose heart is blameless toward him” and “whose heart is completely His,” respectively. Do you see the challenge? Can you relate?
Like many of you, I have been warned, rebuked, corrected, etc. before. I know the worst response is feigned ignorance as I get on with my day. I also know that God chastens, rebukes, and scourges the children He loves. There is something good for me on the other side… if I respond in humility and hope.
More from Chambers:
The idea is not that we do work for God, but that we are so loyal to Him that He can do His work through us… God wants to use us as He used His own Son.
This reminds me of John 14:12:
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
And Proverbs 1:23:
Turn at my rebuke;
Surely I will pour out my Spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.
The Spirit and the words! What more could a pen ask for? Or a disciple maker for that matter?
I am not one to make New Year’s resolutions. But if I was to make one, it would surely be to turn at His rebuke.
Please pray for me, that God would give me grace in response to my fear, that my heart would be loyal to Him, blameless toward Him, and completely His. Let me know if you need the same.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
God bless you and yours with a “good news of great joy” Christmas, and a stronger year in the Lord.
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob
#iamjustthepen
Chambers, O. (1963). My Utmost for His Highest. Uhrichsville, OH: Barbour Publishing