#91 Ordinary people(26jun06)

...but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common...'
Acts 10:28

I believe that the then dashing Robert Redford was the lead actor in the show "Ordinary People."
Maybe the show was not too out of the ordinary that I cannot for the world of me, recall what it was about.

'...We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey!...'
Numbers 13:27

In their desperation, the Israelites of old willingly followed Moses out of the life of bondage in Egypt, on a trek to the promised land. That often fragile faith was sustained by the many miracles that God showed, in their walk to freedom. Yet, the moment a danger recedes, the unfaithful men of Israel very quickly proceeded to their old immoral ways, with the memories of God quickly vaporising into the hot desert air.

'But the people who live there are powerful...'
..We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.'
Numbers 13:28-33

Believing in Jesus Christ and God is no small step, yet, it is one of a series of steps a believer will have to take in faith, as he moves to being an obedient follower of Jesus Christ. While there are many 'giants' of our faith today, who have been powerfully anointed by God to be used to shine His light on the darkness in the world, God will also use the weak and the ordinary, if they are willing.

'If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword?'
Numbers 14:2-3

Well aware of what portends ahead for those who are not saved, many a believer is truly committed to encouraging and praying for the salvation of brethren that God places in their paths. Yet, as many have realized over time, it is only by the Grace of God and not by our efforts, that many do walkover into the Kingdom of God. God do hear the prayers of the faithful but it is always asked in His will, and not ours.

'If the Lord is pleased with us, He will lead us into that land, an land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us.
Only do not rebel against the Lord...'
Numbers 14:8-9

Many followers of Jesus Christ do not live a life in an environment that is very different from what they are used to. Many still hold a secular job, have normal human needs and still have to cope with the angst of daily living.

The difference is that they learn to deal with the world in God's way and not as in the way of the world.
The Lord's prayer(see Luke 11:2-4) in a sense, puts in a nutshell, our daily routine as a Christian in prayers and in living. A life lived to please the Lord, knowing well that it is Him who will and has provided.

'How long will they refuse to believe in Me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?'
Numbers 14:11

It is indeed a miracle that one can lead an ordinary peaceful and joyful life, without the need to fear, lust, anger or be angered and all the other necessary paraphernalia normally associated with surviving the jungle that is our world today and since time memorial.

Is this not the serene life most of us longed and worked for, but can never reached fully by our own efforts??

'....No one who has treated Me with contempt will ever see it'
Numbers 14:23

Why does not many understand or realize that this is no idyllic utopia but a reality and within their reach if only they be willing to let God's will be theirs.

'.....Why are you disobeying the Lord's command?'
Numbers 14:41

Satan was not satisfied with his highly regarded position leading worship at the footstools of God's throne. He wanted to be in charge. This disobedience costs him greatly to eternity.
To obey God is to cost you what your imperfect heart holds dear?? But even if it is reality, it is inexpensive to give this up if one were to realize that ordinary obedient children of God have His eternal love. Those who think otherwise, will have the company of the devil in an extraodinary hothouse that is the fire of eternal damnation.

God Blesses

Eng Hieang