"I will not leave thee"

It is in my heart to write what the Lord seems to impress on my spirit this day.  This morning, my devotion continues and I am in 2 Kings 2:1-11. 
Three times, before leaving this world in a whirlwind (v11), the elder prophet had to separate from the younger man to finish the work God had given him.  Three times, before "going home," he comforted the younger man with these words, (v2, 4 & 6) "I will not leave thee."  The reassurance came after being told by "well-meaning 'friends,'" that the old man was gonna be "taken away." (V3 and 5). 

• Were these men watching to see if Elisha would stand the test?  
• Were they hoping to be in his shoes by way of being under the watchful eye of the revered and respected Elijah?

Elisha was fully aware it was near the time of the older mans departure from this earth.  Clearly, the old prophet saw anxiety in the young man and gave him the reassurance necessary to see Elisha through until he "took up the mantle." (V13).
The words used in the title of this post remind me of Another who said the same thing.  Deuteronmy 31.6, when Moses was going to hand for the leadership to Joshua.  Then again in Hebrews 13.5, the writer reminds the reader of this great truth.

It would seem the Holy Spirit is nudging my heart with this great truth today.  Next door a soul is in the balance, maybe two.  Bad news was given yesterday and although I was not called for, I went.  One question came from the tormented soul's mouth, "I've asked forgiveness but feel no peace as others have explained."  My only response was to "let go of whatever was between the heart and God."  It is all of Him and none of our works.
I do not know the outcome of this conversation yet but I can see the mighty hand of God in the circumstances that brought a beloved son from afar to the side of the loved one.
Yes, Lord, like Elisha I will say to any who question the circumstances, "Yea, I know it, hold ye your peace."  (V3).

In a dark place? Wait, on the Lord. He will deliver...

https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/2Sam.22

2 Samuel 22

22 And David spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul:

²⁰ ... he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

²⁹ ... and the Lord will lighten my darkness. 




WHEN:    I am down                 THEN:  He "lightens my darkness" by His Pronouncement
               I am discouraged                                                              by His Presence
               I am disheartened                                                             by His Promises(s) 

Mercy and favor

It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. (Lam 3.22)

There came a day when the Lord, "translated the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel."  (2 Sa 3:10)

The word "kingdom" in Hebrew means, "dominion, royal dignity, subject to a king."  

The word "throne" means lofty, covered with a canopy, seat of honour.

While God gave Israel what they wanted in King Saul, it is clear this was not the Lord's perfect will for His people.  Yet, in mercy, the Lord allowed Saul to reign over a "dominion with royal dignity," for a time.  However, Saul's heart was never completely satisfied with the boundaries God gave him.

David, by contrast, ordained of the Lord (I Sa 16.1), was the chosen one to be a King over the people.  God's mercy is reflected in David as he governs and makes choices for his people. (2 Sam 3. 37-39)  "The people understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner..." (2 Sam 3.37)

So it is, with the child of God in the NT.  "It is of the Lord's mercies" that we are not consumed.  Just as David had every right to slay the man who betrayed him, so the Lord has every right to destroy us.  

Thus, one of our greatest bible lessons, mercy.  Without Him, we would not know just how big our deliverance from wrath is.  Lord, I pray, my heart will be filled with all mercy to my fellow man as Thou wills it.  With the wise writer, moved by the Holy Ghost to pen, we may also praise Him because,  "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not."

Selah,

Ps. 57.8

Ruth = (H)"friendship" - daughter-in-law of Naomi, wife of Boaz, and grandmother of David

The book of Ruth is the most perfect example of the Lord's love and care for the individual.  It is an inexhaustible study of His character, compassion and care for His people.  For this entry I would like to focus on Boaz as a type of our "kinsmen Redeemer."
Although my title describes the meaning of the name Ruth, it is also revealing of the Lord's character toward His people.

1. Boaz came (from Bethlehem/house of bread) 2.4
2. Boaz commanded 2.8
3. Boaz cared 2.9
4. Boaz considered (her faith) 2.11,12
5. Boaz comforted 2.13,14
6. Boaz continued (His care for her) 2.16
7. Boaz character (revealed and praised) 2.20

1.  When He "came," how is it He "came" to such a lowly one as Ruth?  He spied her and what did He see that drew His attention?  Surely it wasn't the outward appearance only. He was a wealthy, powerful man in His time.  He would have injured a good reputation by even acknowledging such an one. (I Pet 1.2, Rom 8.30)

ELECTION

2.  But He did see her and knew she needed His watchcare, whether she realized that fact or not.  So, He "commanded" the way she was to go.  (Rom. 8.29)

SOVEREIGNTY

3.  From the beginning, He proved His love by His care for her.  He knew the dangers, although she could not see them. (Jn. 13.1)

COMPASSION

4.  Why would such a rich, powerful, influential man give a care about such a lowly creature?    Boaz made it His business to know all about this woman.  Why?  Ruth never sought the limelight, she was humble as befitted her station but more as befitted her heart.  God honors such a spirit.  (Mt. 6.4, 6, 18)"He that seeth the in secret shall reward thee openly."

COMFORTER

5.  He knew she would have need of nourishment, whether she had considered her need or not.  Often, we get so "busy," we are "too busy for God."  Resting along life's way is every bit as important as doing the Lord's business.  We fail to remember, He was here before we were!  He has never needed us but for reason's known only to Him He "desired/willed" our lives...  He is not a hard taskmaster.

OMNISCIENT

6.  "There shall be showers of blessings...." It is of His good will" He does this or that.  If He chooses to drop us a "few handfuls on purpose." Amen!  Eph.1.5, 9; Phil 2.13

7.  It seems clear that Naomi could see all there was to see and know about this "Kinsman Redeemer."  The aged woman, who had lived through death, bitterness, heartache, trial and sorrow could clearly understand all this Man would benefit them.  Much like the Holy Ghost, who is our Paraclete/called alongside to help, knows all the benefits, blessings and wonderment of adoring and praising the Lord Jesus Christ and the Father.  The Holy Ghost, like Naomi, who will teach, guide and direct us if we only but yield, submit and of course, ask.

Conclusion of this brief study?  Just as the name "Ruth" means "friend," so, the Lord Jesus is One whom we can trust in every part of our lives.  He is after all, "the Alpha and Omega, Beginning and Ending, Bright and Morning Star, Ancient of Days, and a "Friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

 

Why didn't Jonah drown?!

So, I'm reading about Jonah for tonight's class.  The lesson is entitled "correct."  Obviously, the children are to be taught about the consequences of disobedience.  The thought that leaps out at me is this; Why didn't Jonah drown!

Ah, my  favorite doctrine, Sovereignty!

• God commanded (not suggested), "Arise, go to Nineveh..."  

The Lord even told Jonah why He told him to go; "their wickedness is come up before me."  God does not owe any of us an explanation for His commands but in this case, the preacher had a "need to know."

• As you all know, of course, this believer, "went the other way!"

Also, as you all know, Jonah's actions caused others grief.  You know, "the great wind...and mighty tempest in the sea..." that would have sank the ship, in a hurry!
So, "the mariners...knowing only 'a god' could cause such a thing, 'cast lots.'"

• Guess who got the shortest straw?  Yep, right again, Jonah!

Jonah accepted responsibility for this mess and said "cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm..."
Moral men that they were, they tried a few other things; like rowing harder.  Of course, that didn't work, so, in the end they did as Jonah said.
Now, the interesting part, we know, because the bible said so, that the Lord "had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah..."

• We know the rest of the story - 3 days/nights, the fish regurgitating one baptist preacher....

•  Still, the thought I  cannot get away from is "Why didn't Jonah drown?"

• Because, dear christian/reader, God had a purpose.   

God always has a purpose.  He makes no move without one.  Why?  "He has mercy on whom He will." (Jn 5.21, Rom 5.18, Mal 3.16) The Lord purposed to save Nineveh from destruction at this time and determined to use a Baptist preacher to do it despite that preachers objections!

• So, no matter how deep or how long He had to stay under, Jonah COULDN'T drown!  

What a blessed thought, even when I am stiffnecked concerning His will, He will effects events in such a way as to bring me into compliance.  I can not drown!  However, just like Jonah was in the belly of the smelly fish, one can make things harder on oneself if  we don't submit to His will.
You are welcome, have a blessed day!:)