As the rain and snow

“Ah, sinful nation,
    a people laden with iniquity,
offspring of evildoers,
    children who deal corruptly!
They have forsaken the Lord,
    they have despised the Holy One of Israel,
    they are utterly estranged.

“Why will you still be struck down?
    Why will you continue to rebel?
The whole head is sick,
    and the whole heart faint.
From the sole of the foot even to the head,
    there is no soundness in it…
What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices?
    says the Lord;
I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams
    and the fat of well-fed beasts;
I do not delight in the blood of bulls,
    or of lambs, or of goats.

“When you come to appear before me,
    who has required of you
    this trampling of my courts?
Bring no more vain offerings;
    incense is an abomination to me.
New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations—
    I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly.
Your new moons and your appointed feasts
    my soul hates;
they have become a burden to me;
    I am weary of bearing them.
When you spread out your hands,
    I will hide my eyes from you;
even though you make many prayers,
    I will not listen;
    your hands are full of blood.
Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;
    remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes;
cease to do evil,
   learn to do good;
seek justice,
    correct oppression;
bring justice to the fatherless,
    plead the widow’s cause.

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord:
though your sins are like scarlet,
    they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red like crimson,
    they shall become like wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
    you shall eat the good of the land.” Isaiah 1:4-6a,11-19a

The hands between sick head, unsound heart, and misled feet were despicable to the Lord. He rejected the vain offerings of rebel devotees. The blood on their hands from insincere ritual sacrifice needed cleansing only He could give.

The beautiful truth about bad blood is that the Christ blood was borne for washing. The perfect Savior’s hands shed blood to offer the richest and truest blessing that no man-brought sacrifice could, the knowledge and eternal favor of the God of the universe. Offering our very hands to His to be cleansed and put to noble use changes the nature of offering. What once brought forth goods to be noted or earn reward is now open to receive all He freely gives. Corrected thinking results in meaningful living that pulses with Jesus instead of ego and self-importance. (Hebrews 9:11-14; 1 Peter 1:18-19)

Has our mind turned sick, no longer finding health in regular worship, reading and meditating on the Word, fellowship with the saints? Has our heart grown faint from fervor, or wicked through repeated exposure to godless streaming? Have our feet strayed from purposeful industry, attendance in sincere worship, or serving the needy? If so for these, the hands have lost their connection to the nail-scarred hands of Jesus, and thus their way in right sacrifice.

If we willingly reasoned with Jesus and invited His cleansing, what new attitudes and actions might we employ? What will we offer others of good, love, and justice that pleases God?

Lord who freely gave Yourself for me, may I with clean hands bless others for Your sake and glory.

“For Jerusalem has stumbled,
    and Judah has fallen,
because their speech and their deeds are against the Lord,
    defying his glorious presence.

For the look on their faces bears witness against them;
    they proclaim their sin like Sodom;
    they do not hide it.
Woe to them!
    For they have brought evil on themselves…
Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him,
    for what his hands have dealt out shall be done to him.”

“Woe to those who call evil good
    and good evil,
who put darkness for light
    and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
    and sweet for bitter!
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
    and shrewd in their own sight!”

“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,
    who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
‘I dwell in the high and holy place,
    and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly,
    and to revive the heart of the contrite.'” Isaiah 3:8-9,11; 5:20-21; 57:15

“And he said to man,
‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
    and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” Job 28:28

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Proverbs 9:10

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5

In a convoluted world, true wisdom can be elusive. The wisdom of God is alien to unredeemed man. Thought leaders abound, and supposed experts put their intellectual and moral wares on display, but the wisdom of the world bubbles and spurts as folly to the Lord and in comparison to His ways. (1 Corinthians 3:19-20)

He is God, we are not. Disdain His rule, supremacy, and rightful dominion and your own will be toppled. Yet man in his innate pomp and self-importance doesn’t think or behave this way. There is little fear of God in many lands. Man put himself on life’s pedestal, feelings and wants at the fore, and the natural result is foolishness in all manner of life: wanton behavior, nonsensical oallegiances, dysfunctional governments, impulsive decisions that take no consideration for the future, eternity, or a Sovereign.

Man left to himself has a low and limited perception of the Lord. Short the regeneration and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he cannot see or discern the One higher, greater, loftier. Left to his choosing, there would be no accountability or any authority superior to self. Only those who fear the Lord gain an understanding of His grandeur and our proper position before Him. (Isaiah 6:1-5; 55:8-9; 1 Corinthians 2:14)

Do we seek the wisdom of the world or of God Almighty? In what do we invest our time to gain wisdom? Proportionately, how much credence do we give the thoughts and advice of man against the truth of God’s Word? Instead of complaining about the folly around us and slipping toward foolishness ourselves, what will we do to heighten our view of God and discover and implement His wisdom?

Lord, keep me seeking and embracing godly wisdom that results in righteous living, makes a difference in the world, and exalts Your name. (Psalm 111:10)

“Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’  And he said to them, ‘When you pray, say:

“’Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins,
    for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation.‘

“And he said to them, ‘Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him”; and he will answer from within, “Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything”? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.'” Luke 11:1-10

“Give me neither poverty nor riches;
    feed me with the food that is needful for me.” Proverbs 30:8

Obedience always brings blessing. In Jesus’s teaching how to pray, He knows what we need before we ask, and that it is more than simply the object of our stated request. As those prone to wander, and to rely on the strength of chariots and horses, or personal smarts and chutzpah and attempts at brilliance, we need daily dependence on Him. What layered wisdom He has given from the time of the Exodus and His provision of manna to His prayer’s simple pattern- trust daily for daily needs! (Exodus 16:4-5,14-30; Psalm 20:7; Matthew 6:8)

God’s intentions are always deeper than we can see. As we pray and apply day by day, He nurtures, strengthens, and sanctifies us. To build faith among meandering emotions and whims, we need daily re-centering on His holiness and might, His supply, route, and purpose. Left to our fickle selves, we might turn to God only when and if it suits our perceived needs. (Deuteronomy 33:25)

How readily do I to seek and follow daily? What have I learned of God, and how have I grown spiritually as I have consistently obeyed?

“Day by day and with each passing moment, 
Strength I find to meet my trials here; 
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, 
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear. 
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure 
Gives unto each day what he deems best–
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure, 
Mingling toil with peace and rest. 

Ev’ry day the Lord himself is near me, 
With a special mercy for each hour; 
All my cares he gladly bears and cheers me, 
He whose name is Counselor and Pow’r.
The protection of his child and treasure 
Is a charge that on himself he laid:
‘As your days, your strength shall be in measure’– 
This the pledge to me he made.” ~Carolina Sandell (1865)

Lord, help me praise, trust, and obey You daily as You deserve.

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:19-25

Ever since is a support for let us in logical thinking. If this is true, then that can be done. And what is true? We can enter the holy place of intimacy with Jesus by Jesus’s blood. He is our great high priest and mediator, opening the way to know and serve God. So, based on these sinces, let us behave as though they are true!

Let us enter His presence and draw near to Him daily in thoughtful adoration and willful dependence and joy! Let us worship and serve with confidence and clean conscience and zeal and abandon! Let us be strong and bold in confessing our faith, and stand up for what we believe in a madding, antagonistic world! Let us gather with others of like mind and faith and encourage them to serve and testify alongside! Let us build them up in their gifts and roles and minister together to, in, and from God’s church! Let us live with hope for the joy to come, pressing on to see Jesus and glorify His name!

How committed are we to understanding and standing on the sinces of scripture? Do we make it a practice to meditate on what is true, take them to heart and put them to action? What evidence in our private and public life is there that we are confident in Jesus’s cleansing of our sin? Do we moan in guilt-ridden regret, or rue that we cannot forgive ourselves? Do we roil inside with blame and anger, refusing to forgive someone else? Do we worry that we are not worthy of His love and help? (Philippians 4:8)

If we believe the since of being cleansed by Christ, we will by the Spirit be confident in His mercy, and forgive one another. We will love freely and genuinely, and extend grace to others, no matter their treatment of us. We will do what we can to see others grow and flourish. We will gather people around us into the hope of eternity. (Ephesians 4:32; Philippians 2:3-4)

How do we practically live out (and share) our assurance of eternal security and our access to Jesus for daily grace, wisdom, and strength? Do we begin each day cleansed, and come alongside others to promote the same? What are we doing to stir up others to love and good deeds, sharing ideas and energetic service together? How will we hold fast and hold out our hope in a fractured, needy world?

Lord, help me live for You vigorously, fueled by all that is true because of Jesus.

“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.”

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” Romans 2:4-5; 6:1-2

Proper assumptions about God’s grace lead to right thinking, and both check and correct presumption. It is one thing to say we believe in the patience, forbearance, and mercy of the Lord yet flippantly live as though it is cheap, or deserved, and quite another to be humbled by it and live out a grateful, gritty dependence. By nature grace is undeserved and unearned, so believing that brings us under its bountiful, salvific covering.

If we are truly humbled by and grateful for the grace of Jesus that cost Him His innocent life, we will hold it high in honor, and devote ourselves to working and serving in the power it affords. We will desire that He remove our bent to sinning and replace it with holy hunger. We will pursue decisions that reflect His wisdom, countenance, and compassion. We will be quick to forgive others as he has forgiven us, and earnestly pray for our enemies. (Matthew 5:44; Ephesians 4:32; Titus 2:11-13)

But when we do not consider the cost, when we wear the cross as an ornament rather than a blade in our hearts, we will keep self and self interest first. We may grow cold to His kindness and take mercies for granted. We might soften faith’s hard stance against immorality, and give in to crowd pleasing, coarse talk, and easy sins. We might subconsciously trade passion for God with preference for our own sovereigns.

The holy character of God revealed in the cross should purify our hearts and penetrate our personalities. Have we grown weary of or numb to the message of Calvary? Do we grasp the measure of love and cost of the crucifixion, and so value Christ’s gift of grace? Where do we flippantly yield to sin, reasoning (sic) that we will be forgiven? How many times a day do we, by thoughtless little choices and words and behavior, slap our Savior in the face?

“Love divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heav’n to earth come down,
fix in us Thy humble dwelling;
all Thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love Thou art;
visit us with Thy salvation;
enter every trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit
into every troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit,
let us find the promised rest.
Take away our love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning,
set our hearts at liberty.

Finish then, Thy new creation;
pure and spotless let us be;
let us see Thy great salvation
perfectly restored in Thee.
Changed from glory into glory,
till in heav’n we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before Thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise.” ~Charles Wesley (1747)

Lord, teach me humble, complete, and glad dependence on Your kindness and grace, and exemplify them unto Your glory.

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?..
Who stretched the line upon it?
On what were its bases sunk,
    or who laid its cornerstone?

“Or who shut in the sea with doors
    when it burst out from the womb,
when I made clouds its garment..,
and prescribed limits for it…
and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther,
    and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?

“Have you commanded the morning since your days began,
    and caused the dawn to know its place?

“Have you entered into the springs of the sea,
    or walked in the recesses of the deep?..
Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth?

“Where is the way to the dwelling of light,
    and where is the place of darkness,
that you may take it to its territory
    and that you may discern the paths to its home?” Job 38:4-6,8-12,16,18-20

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways…
You hem me in, behind and before,
    and lay your hand upon me…

Where shall I go from your Spirit?
    Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
    If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
    and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
    and your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me,
    and the light about me be night,’
even the darkness is not dark to you;
    the night is bright as the day,
    for darkness is as light with you.

For you formed my inward parts…
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret…
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written…
    the days that were formed for me,
    when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:1-3,5,7-13,15-16

God’s questioning jolts His children into their place by revealing His sovereign power and intricate knowledge. Sometimes He uses an overwhelming experience of wonder and beauty, an impossibly difficult situation without easy answer or solution, or an unbearable weight of sorrow, to cause us to acknowledge His vast and constant presence among us. His care, love, and light are inescapable.

Morning breaks,
Light awakes,
From a peek,
To a hint,
To full blaze;
Birds sing cheer,
Renewal’s here,
Seize the day (PEB)

What begins with hope doesn’t always continue that way. When confusion or anguish are too deep for words, the Lord is near in the gloom, upholding His boundaries, containing the pressure. When we feel lost, alone, untethered in the wide chaotic world, the Lord is close. When life’s sky is so distant we feel rudderless, directionless, meaningless, He is nigh, encompassing, sustaining, filling the space and ordering every unseen.

Where do I question His abiding presence out of anger, sadness, or confusion? Would I believe and rest in it today?

“Day is done,
Gone the sun,
From the lake,
From the hills,
from the sky;
All is well,
Safely rest,
God is nigh” ~Gen. Daniel Butterfield (1862)

Lord, in every circumstance, help me seek and rejoice in Your presence and glory.

“Will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you!” 1 Kings 8:27

“He bowed the heavens and came down.” Psalm 18:9

“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
    And who shall stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart…
He will receive blessing from the Lord
    and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” Psalm 24:3-5

“I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” John 6:38

“You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9

“In saying, ‘He ascended,’ what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.” Ephesians 4:10

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11

The transcendent God displays His supremacy at all times, in all places. By nature above and beyond and more brilliant than man’s comprehension, in Christ He descended to earth, condescending from glory until He would ascend back to glory, so that the descendent of Adam might be saved. (John 20:17; Acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 1:2-4)

In the natural pomp within which we operate, it becomes our default to consider God a larger, higher, superior version of man. We confuse the myriad of little gods we worship with the One true surpassing God, whose excellence and preeminence defy comparison. When was the last time I contemplated God’s transcendence to the point of feeling small? (Psalm 8:3-5; 19:1)

Committing attention to read the Word exposes us to His luster shining brilliantly through it. When did we last hush ourselves to bow before the Holy One’s dazzling splendor and listen to Him speak? (Psalm 36:9; 119:105; Matthew 17:5)

The Savior who condescended in submission to the Father, lowering Himself so we could be raised victorious over sin and death, calls us to similar humility. What privilege or right need I surrender for the greater dignity of bearing Christ’s name? (Romans 8:15; Galatians 3:29; Hebrews 2:10-11)

“The love of God is greater far
than tongue or pen can ever tell;
it goes beyond the highest star,
and reaches to the lowest hell.
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win.
The erring child He reconciled,
and pardoned from his sin.

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
the saints’ and angels’ song.” ~Frederick Lehman (1917)

Resplendent Lord, inspire increasing crescendo in my worship and submission before You who are forever high and lifted up. (Isaiah 6:1-8)

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 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 he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.  For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,  and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

“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 1:15-22

Some portray God as a thundering Judge out to make miserable those who dwell on His earth. Whether out of fear, or bitterness, it is certainly out of ignorance of what He delights to do. When God sent Jesus, He was pleased to do so. He announced His good pleasure with Him at His baptism by his cousin John. And here we are told God was pleased not only to dwell in Him, but to reconcile sinners through Him. This is a lofty, lovely truth that should awaken stout praise, not castigation. (Matthew 3:13-17)

What makes His pleasure all the more intriguing, and almost unbelievable, is who we were when He expressed His delight. Alienated and hostile- unwelcoming and rebellious and resistant, YET He was pleased to dwell among us to reconcile us to God. Alleluia! His pleasure comes by doing His Father’s will and living out His perfect nature of love and mercy. How does this encourage and motivate us? (John 1:14; 6:38; Romans 5:6-11)

Considering Christ’s pleasure in fulfilling His Father’s will for us, do we delight in the same for Him? If it is not an honest confession that we delight to do His will, what are we choosing instead, and what satisfaction is it bringing? Would we ask to be willing to be made willing to have our affections reordered? How can we begin to take joy in putting off our rebel bent, in obedience, in growing spiritually, in meaningful fellowship and service of the saints? (Psalm 40:8)

The Lord who is pleased to save us dwells among us to chide and strengthen, correct and direct. He convicts of sin, prunes for fruitfulness, and rejoices in our ongoing sanctification. He cheers us on to persevere, and when we keep faith. What selfishness needs be put away, what changes in my mindset made, for me to wholeheartedly desire to please God above myself or others? What do my attitude, choices, and actions toward others reveal about the object of my heart’s pleasure?

If God was so pleased to send His Son, and the Son is pleased to reconcile me, how will I please my Lord by offering myself so many can know the delights of salvation?

Father, may I so live and love that many see You dwelling in me and desire reconciliation.

“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
    And who shall stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
    who does not lift up his soul to what is false
    and does not swear deceitfully.
He will receive blessing from the Lord
    and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
    who seek the face of the God of Jacob.”

“My eyes are ever toward the Lord.”

“One thing have I asked of the Lord,
    that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
    and to inquire in his temple.

For he will hide me in his shelter
    in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
    he will lift me high upon a rock.

And now my head shall be lifted up
    above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
    sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;
    be gracious to me and answer me!
You have said, ‘Seek my face.’
My heart says to you,
    ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek.’
    Hide not your face from me.
Turn not your servant away in anger,
    O you who have been my help…

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living!” Psalm 24:3-6; 25:15a; 27:4-9a,13

One of David’s resounding themes in both passion and word is seeking the face of the Lord. His practice in desire and practical outworking is fueled by love for his God. He yearned to behold Him in His resplendent beauty and holiness as a result of mercy received, and to continually seek Him through life, exemplifying that mercy applied. He longed to behold the One who looked in loving favor and grace on him.

Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? Those who seek Him, who make the trek in will and wonder. What are our eyes ever toward? When have we paused our busyness, urgencies, selfish wants and strange attractions to gaze upon His beauty? Where are we satisfied? What recalcitrance or apathy dismisses the Spirit’s allure to lift our heads above earthly delights and concerns?

Consider what His face would reveal and say to our every whim. His mouth would sing over us with rejoicing and speak love over furrowed fainting souls. His healed brow would soften in mercy, His gleaming eyes sparkle with delight and cheer. Seek His face, O hurting, disappointed, yearning, needy child! (Zephaniah 3:17)

“Lord Jesus Christ, we seek Thy face;
Within the veil we bow the knee;
O let Thy glory fill the place!
And bless us while we wait on Thee.

We thank Thee for the precious blood
That purged our sins and brought us nigh;
All cleansed and sanctified to God,
Thy holy name to magnify.

Shut in with Thee far, far, above
The restless world that wars below;
We seek to learn and prove Thy love,
Thy wisdom and Thy grace to know.

The brow that once with thorns was bound,
Thy hands, Thy side, we fain would see;
Draw near, Lord Jesus, glory crowned,
And bless us while we wait on Thee.” ~Alexander Stewart (1843-1923)

Lord, adjust my sights to see You in Your fullness, love, power, and majesty.

“This is the service of the clans of the Gershonites, in serving and bearing burdens: they shall carry the curtains of the tabernacle and the tent of meeting with its covering and the covering of goatskin that is on top of it and the screen for the entrance of the tent of meeting and the hangings of the court and the screen for the entrance of the gate of the court that is around the tabernacle and the altar, and their cords and all the equipment for their service. And they shall do all that needs to be done with regard to them. All the service of the sons of the Gershonites shall be at the command of Aaron and his sons, in all that they are to carry and in all that they have to do… 

“And this is what they are charged to carry, as the whole of their service in the tent of meeting: the frames of the tabernacle, with its bars, pillars, and bases, and the pillars around the court with their bases, pegs, and cords, with all their equipment and all their accessories. And you shall list by name the objects that they are required to carry. This is… the whole of their service in the tent of meeting, under… the priest.”

“All those who were listed of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the chiefs of Israel listed, by their clans and their fathers’ houses, from thirty years old up to fifty years old, everyone who could come to do the service of ministry and the service of bearing burdens in the tent of meeting, those listed were 8,580. According to the commandment of the Lord through Moses they were listed, each one with his task of serving or carrying.” Numbers 4:24-27,31-33,46-49

The tasks commanded of the clans of priests for the mobile tabernacle were many and detailed. To take them on took serious attention, determination and will, and commitment to God’s greater calling to lead in His service. And the breadth of this obedience also presupposed a unique strength. It takes heartiness, both physical and spiritual, to bear such burdens.

When leading for Christ in our corner of the world, we must be strong. We can strategize, make lists, and tend to particulars, but we must also be able to handle the weight of every dimension of what is required. The bearing of emotional strain, the physical rigor of energetic service, the intellectual capacity for discernment, and the spiritual fortitude to be humble and steadfast in prayer all take consideration and must be fueled by the Holy Spirit.

How do we ready ourselves for God’s call? How attentive are we in caring for body, mind, and soul so we are vigorous and able to handle varied aspects of each task? Where are we lacking? Do we take time to rest, to exercise the body, to draw strength and wisdom from His word, to be energized and trained by the encouragement of fellowship and corporate worship?

What disciplines do we need to incorporate into daily rhythms that will fit us for bearing the burdens of our Lord’s service? How have we seen His enabling come to fruition? Whom can we help to strengthen their fitness?

Lord, train me so I’m prepared and eager for every assignment, for Your kingdom’s sake and glory.