Have you ever had to do a double take? You know, when you look at something, and then you have to look again because you just weren't certain that you saw it quite right. Happens to me mostly when I get in the zone. You know, rushing through life, busy trying to get so many things done that I fail to notice the details. I can even fail to notice a person that may be trying to get my attention. That really makes me feel bad. So lately, I've been trying to slow down. To take in the details a bit more. To be a noticer. And I think God is really found there... in the details. In His creation, His plans, His word; in His people. And It's funny, because as I was reading Ezekiel, I noticed that even as he was getting a tour of the new Temple God wanted built, Ezekiel got so busy trying to keep track of it all the information he failed to notice that all the gates were open... except this one. Ezekiel wrote... Then He brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary which faces toward the east, but it was shut. And the Lord said to me, “This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter by it, because the Lord God of Israel has entered by it; therefore it shall be shut. Ezekiel 44:1-2 NKJV And it got me thinking on that detail... how important it was that God pointed it out. God had a specific gate that He wanted all to Himself. Kind of like a backstage entrance to the Temple that only He would have the key to open. And honestly, I think it's pretty reasonable... considering He's God and all. And it would be a HOLY gate, a HOLY entrance. Now wouldn't that be a great reminder that God was real. I mean... that He really showed up right there in the House of God? If there was just one gate special enough, holy enough, that it was reserved just for Him... it meant that the Temple was built intentionally and purposely for His worship. It would be a constant reminder to all those who served there, to all those who brought sacrifices, to all those who neglected to come. And even to all those who didn't believe... that God really came to the place where we worship Him. It's somewhat like that day when Moses came upon that burning bush. It got his attention and He had turned aside because the bush was not being consumed by the fire. The Lord called out to Moses, and after Moses answered... Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” Exodus 3:5 How awesome it is, how very special, that God can enter a gate, or take occupancy in a bush, and make something so ordinary, so plain, into a HOLY meeting place. But I wonder if sometimes I miss Him with all my rushing through life, busy trying to get so many things done that I fail to notice the details. I told you, I can even fail to notice a person that may be trying to get my attention. And that really makes me feel bad. And if the one I've missed is God... WOW, have I really goofed up! For that means I walked right past HOLY ground... probably tromped all over it with my dirty tennis shoes and all. Because He's not going to show up with a flock of angels, or in that pillar of cloud or pillar of fire anymore. He already did that in Exodus. God is all about new things. But He is always around, and He is wanting me to be more of a noticer... looking and longing for opportunities to be His hands and feet to others in need. That's where I will find Him. In the places where I can serve Him. He may not holler at me, Hey, Lisa, take off your shoes, from a burning bush, But He may be a friend who needs a ride. Or, He may be someone I know who has been ill and needs dinner for her family. And when I say yes to those needs that tug at my heart... and when I am obedient to follow the leading of the Lord, THEN I'm standing on HOLY ground. And being a noticer is one of the best assignments I've ever taken from God. But if you're wondering whether you'll notice the right thing, or how to even hear from God, let me challenge you to simply pray this verse... Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting You. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to You. Psalm 143:8 NLT And certainly, God will show you the way to His HOLY ground! Word of God train me today.... To be a noticer of the details You create. To stand on Your HOLY ground as I seek to serve You today.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
categories
All
published
January 2019
Check out more: |