I will make a covenant of peace with them and will rid the land of wild beasts, so that they can live securely in the wilderness and even sleep in the woods. — Ezek. 34:25 NET
by C.H. Spurgeon
It is the height of grace that YHVH should be in covenant with man, a feeble, sinful, and dying creature. Yet the Lord has solemnly entered into a faithful compact with us, and from that covenant He will never turn aside. In virtue of this covenant we are safe. As lions and wolves are driven off by shepherds, so shall all noxious influences be chased away. The Lord will give us rest from disturbers and destroyers; the evil beasts shall cease out of the land. O Lord, make this Thy promise good even now!
The Lord’s people are to enjoy security in places of the greatest exposure: wilderness and woods are to be as pastures and folds to the flock of Christ. If the Lord does not change the place for the better, He will make us the better in the place. The wilderness is not a place to dwell in, but the Lord can make it so; in the woods one feels hound to watch rather than to sleep, and yet the Lord giveth His beloved sleep even there. Nothing without or within should cause any fear to the child of God. By faith the wilderness can become the suburbs of heaven and the woods the vestibule of glory.
Alleluia!
Selah.
2 comments:
Trust me, sleeping in the woods ain't all it's cracked up to be. JS
Interesting that you should post this just now. Our conversation this morning (sunshine.Thank the Most High for the little things)
Like the Israelites in the wilderness, the Christian is between promise and fulfillment (in the ultimate sense). Like the Israelites in the wilderness, we have been delivered from slavery, but we have not reached our final destination and resting place. As a Christian, how are you handling "the wilderness?" Are you just wandering in wilderness? Or are you entering God's rest? Are you trusting and obeying God? Are you experiencing His "rest?"
A powerful thought, of handling the wilderness as an intentional entry (obedient preparation and participation) into the rest and purpose of God!
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