Sometimes we want to rush to do the obvious and natural thing. We think, “God knows and He understands”. But before we do something, even if it is the right thing, we need to take time to step back and acknowledge God. Will He ask us to do something different? Maybe, maybe not.

I think the point is that stepping back and acknowledging God opens our eyes to the bigger story. We recognize God’s hand and heart in the things in our life. We get to know about our God.

When Aaron’s sons died inside the Holy Place, did Aaron want to rush in and be with his sons? Of course. But what did God say? Wait. God knows what he wanted to do and He understands. But this is the reality: Without cleansing, sinful man cannot approach the Holy God. There needs to be a sacrifice to be cleansed, this is the way. Did Aaron obey? Yes, Aaron understood the bigger story.

When Jesus was dying on the cross.. did God want to rush in and save His Son? Of course. It is the obvious and natural thing. But this is the reality: Without cleansing, sinful man cannot approach the Holy God. God the Father and Jesus were looking at the bigger story.

Step back, even for just a moment, acknowledge God. See His hand and heart, see the bigger story.

I believe God desires to elevate His people – those who put their complete trust, obedience and devotion on Him. Trouble and trials, and all sorts of problems will come, but I believe God wants to show the world what He can do in and through the lives of His people.

This is the psalm where King David prophesies about Jesus – the right hand of God, the warrior king, ruler and judge, High Priest forever.

It is important for believers to gather and worship together, encourage one another, and to learn from teachers. But let us not forget that God still, and I believe, wants to speak to us directly – through the revelations of the Holy Spirit. In fact, it could be dangerous to just rely on teachers – because there are some that are not from God.

Isaiah was quick to obey, even if it was a very very humiliating command – He was naked and barefoot for three years to be a sign to Egypt and Cush of what they will go through. Too much? Perhaps.. but this is a man who has seen God face to face. Coming from that experience, the things of this world will seem so trivial compared to the power of God, the seriousness of His message, and the absoluteness of His commands.

How much of God have I experienced? How has that affected my love, reverence and obedience?

The Lord is powerful. As I have learned the past days, His power can build or destroy nations and, in a more personal setting, organizations. Sometimes, the only thing standing between the judgement of God to nations or organizations are His children. So what are we going to do with this tremendous power? Are we going to give a blessing or a curse?

And the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians will know the Lord in that day and worship with sacrifice and offering, and they will make vows to the Lord and perform them. And the Lord will strike Egypt, striking and healing, and they will return to the Lord, and he will listen to their pleas for mercy and heal them… In that day Israel will be the third with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth, whom the Lord of hosts has blessed, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance.” (Isaiah 19:21, 22, 24, 25 ESV)

Beautiful..

In the end, the goal of God’s discipline is not just for judgement. It is for people – His creation – to see God, to repent and come back to Him.