God is big, really big. God is inviting people out of a world of chaos into an existence far beyond imagination. God’s plan is for good. God has people who positively respond to Him and those who don’t. It seems to be better for everyone to go God’s way.
In the days of old as the people of Israel left slavery to go with God He had a wonderful guide for them in the form of an angel. God sent Moses as well, but there was an angelic guide involved. Look at what God tells the people with regard to the angel.
“See, I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you. Pay close attention to him, and obey his instructions. Do not rebel against him, for he is my representative, and he will not forgive your rebellion. But if you are careful to obey him, following all my instructions, then I will be an enemy to your enemies, and I will oppose those who oppose you.” Exodus 23:20-22 (NLT)
See the need for a positive response to God? It is in the positive response that they are protected as he leads them to the place God had prepared. The negative response… “he will not forgive your rebellion.” That will make you stop in your sandals. I think that has something to do with life going miserably wrong, and possibly painful for no other reason than I didn’t want to do what God who has only my good in mind wants me to do.
I’m thinking that this specifically was what God was doing at the time with the people of Israel. In this day God is still at work. He has angels around. He has human messengers like Moses to provide assistance as well. And though the direct guidance of an angel with the pillar of cloud and fire by night has not been given to us God’s guidance in various ways is still very much available.
So I am thinking a positive response to God eliminates so many routine problems. It eliminates the obvious problem of having the angel against me, but other things too. There is a place God has for His people that He wants to take them to. It may not be the literal promised land, but it is a land of promise. It may be anywhere in the world, but it includes getting to know Him and growing in character like His Son. There is more to this on the other side of this physical existence, but, for now, this life is the focus.
A positive response to God deals with the question of “why am I here?” As a person goes with God the many details to that question get answered. He doesn’t always feel the need to explain in full His plan to you and me. We couldn’t handle it if He did. A negative response to God can really disengage the GPS (God Positioning System). We can get lost. We can ruin our lives and others along the way. A positive response keeps us moving to the land of promise.
A positive response to God has the support of God and His armies against those who oppose you. I have been opposed when doing the right thing (been on the other side too which is not so great). You have probably been opposed as well. Some of our battles are with people and some with those who are not flesh and blood. It is a terrific comfort to have the Lord battle on our behalf.
A new Star Wars movie called, “Rogue One,” comes out in December. The movie trailers have a line in which the protagonist is in an interview regarding her participating in the great cause in order to free the empire from the evil ones. She has a line in which she says, “It’s a rebellion. I rebel.” I like it. Typically, people rebel against whatever order they see, whatever authorities that exist, whatever cultural rules are around them. Rebellion has a place, but not against God. I see the evil empire as Satan’s domain. He is the prince of the power of the air. He is dragging people into darkness. I choose to be in a rebellion against the devil. And I say, “It’s a rebellion. I rebel.”
Being positive in the things of God breaks the power of darkness. I rebel against the darkness. Being positive towards God’s leading takes me to the light. I rebel against the enemies of my soul. Being positive in the things of God means I say, “Yes,” to Him. It means I fight the darkness of the culture and world I live in. It means I fight against my own tendencies to follow my opinions and feelings. It is a rebellion. I rebel. I choose, and I choose to be positive for God. How about you?
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