“Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me. (Psalm 129:2 ESV)

I do not think there are people who I consider as enemies or afflictors. There may be people who think negatively of me or dislike me, but thankfully, none that purposely desires to cause me and my family harm.

But I do have an enemy who have afflicted me from my youth. Yes, as I “ascend Mt. Zion” (that is, my spiritual journey), my afflictor is constantly there – distracting me, discouraging me, causing delays, wanting to destroy. But as I look back today, Praise God, my afflictor has not prevailed against me. I am still here – still standing, still climbing – growing in and by God’s grace.

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:9, 10 ESV)

Knowledge of His will > so as to walk in a worthy manner > bearing fruit & increasing knowledge (repeat)

There is an expectation to knowing God’s will, that is obedience. And obedience is not an end to itself, obedience leads to bearing fruit – receive blessing and being a blessing. Knowledge is not an end, but a beginning. So be ready, and be faithful to obey.

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, (Colossians 1:11 ESV)

This does not come easy, and we will get tired. Our strength should come from the boundless power and might of God. Only by His strength are we able to endure, be patient, and have joy.

The next passage, is the gospel – the mystery hidden for ages and generations revealed – presented in another way.

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him…And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, (Colossians 1:16, 21, 22 ESV)

For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I name you, though you do not know me. (Isaiah 45:4 ESV)

Is God’s sovereignty limited only to those who acknowledge Him as God? No. He is Lord of all, Creator of all. He can give power to kings and take them away. For what purpose?

that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other. (Isaiah 45:6 ESV)

How should we approach God? God who made the earth and created man just by His Word. Don’t complain, don’t criticize, don’t command. Instead, ask.

Thus says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and the one who formed him: “Ask me of things to come; will you command me concerning my children and the work of my hands? (Isaiah 45:11 ESV)

And when you ask, He will answer.

Rule, Reaction, Referral, Response

The Rule

“Let the people of Israel keep the Passover at its appointed time. (Numbers 9:2 ESV)

Rules are given by God as guidelines to help men understand how to approach a Holy God.

The Reaction

And those men said to him, “We are unclean through touching a dead body. Why are we kept from bringing the Lord ’s offering at its appointed time among the people of Israel?” (Numbers 9:7 ESV)

First, they remembered and understood a previous rule so we give them credit for that. Second, their hearts are right, as is what is important to God more than just mindlessly obeying the rules.

The Referral

And Moses said to them, “Wait, that I may hear what the Lord will command concerning you.” (Numbers 9:8 ESV)

Excellent move by Moses! Many times we are quick to answer for God. He is available and willing to give us His decisions regarding unclear matters. We are to understand the Scriptures, yes, but our ultimate goal is to understand the One who wrote it.

A guideline could be, instead of just asking “What does the Bible say about it?”, we can ask “What does God say about it? Let us pray and read His Word.”

The Response

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, If any one of you or of your descendants is unclean through touching a dead body, or is on a long journey, he shall still keep the Passover to the Lord. (Numbers 9:9, 10 ESV)

God will respond. Why wouldn’t He? Especially to people who want to do right by Him. Pray expectantly, listen intently, obey unwaveringly.

—

And whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out, and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the people of Israel camped. (Numbers 9:17 ESV)

When we take care of the temple of God, we can feel – and see – His presence over it. If we can see God, we can keep in step with His movements. And we should be ready when He does move. Whether in this life or in preparation of the life after, we should hold the things of this world lighty. Don’t bear so many burdens. Travel light.

Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.
(Psalm 128:1-4 ESV)

What a promise!