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The Gospel of John, X2
Do you hear it? The bones are rattling. Tendons are attaching. Flesh is appearing. Skin is covering and the breath of the Lord is breathing. The old, dried up, hopeless bones of the church are rising from their stupor, coming to life, and standing on their feet. A vast army is amassing and the bride of Christ is putting on combat boots.
Many have been hearing the trumpet blast. A new generation of people is saying "Yes, Lord!" (Isaiah 26:8) and they haven't even heard the question. His bride, the church, is preparing herself. Fine linen, bright and clean, is being unwrapped and ears are hearing the Alpha and Omega's invitation to drink from the spring of the water of life.
The psalmist declares the Almighty's intent. He reports: "God sticks his head out of heaven. He looks around. He's looking for someone not stupid-one man, even, God-expectant, just one God-ready woman" (Psalms 14:2 The Message).
I ask you again. Do you hear the rattlings? It's time! The church is awakening to draw near to its first love, Jesus, and to be ready; prepared for whatever God asks. Prepared to greet a needy culture with relevance and hope in and through Jesus Christ.
But, how might we be ready?
The answer comes from one who did God's business with the Midianites. Judges chapter six tells us that Gideon was sent to the Israelites after they cried for help. The angel of the Lord placed a call on Gideon giving him the title "mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12). What ensued was a friendly argument between God and Gideon on the merits of obeying this task. Gideon interjected often with, "But sir," and, "But Lord," but God thrust his own assurances in. "I will be with you." "Do not be afraid. You are not going to die" (Judges 6:23). Perhaps Gideon was hoping somehow not to try the patience of his God when he made these requests: "Make the fleece wet and the ground dry," he pleaded. A bowlful of water wrung from the fleece was not enough to convince him. "Just one more request. This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew." The record states simply: "That night God did so" (Judges 6:39-40).
No mistake. "The Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon" (Judges 6:34). But, to make things worse God told him he had "too many men" (Judges 7:2). So, Gideon's army of 32,000 was whittled to 300 and what remained was a ready flank to come against the enemy "thick as locusts" with camels that "could no more be counted than the sand on the sea shore" (Judges 7:12). This army's readiness came in courageous listening, encouragement, being under authority, wisdom, obedience, perseverance, and humility. And, they were worshippers.
Gideon and his ready army attacked during the changing of the guard. They blew their trumpets, broke their jars, grasped their torches, and held their positions. Midian fled. They turned on each other and the Lord gained the victory.
Today we face a subtle enemy. We live in an apostate culture surrounded by an apathetic, irrelevant, and sometimes defiled church. Biblical orthodoxy is a joke to many. But, the bones are rattling and reluctance is being set aside.
It's not for me to define the part of the battle you are summoned to. All I can do is help sound the call and offer suggestions as to how God might want you to enlist. This might include things like praying for a pastor, bringing a meal to a sick friend, or speaking a word of testimony. Perhaps it would be just gazing at God or really connecting or asking God to set your spirit free. Maybe he longs for you to be a bridge in a broken relationship or for you to choose holiness or to speak the truth in love. Perhaps He wants you to listen to a child, to simplify, or to seek humility.
It's another new year. Are you hearing the call? Even faintly? Do you long to answer, "Yes, Lord!" no matter what the question? Have you heard God's assurances? Has the Spirit of the Lord come upon you? Are you counting on numbers or on God's power? Are you listening? Are you encouraged to seek his wisdom and march down? Will you obey? Will you persevere? Will you be humble? Will you worship him?
The bride is preparing herself. Be the God-expectant, God-ready one! Grasp your torches and hold your positions. "Do not be afraid or discouraged for the battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chronicles 20:15).
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