Reckless Living

Today, I am reminded of the power of our Lord.  I am reading and meditating on the story of Balaam. (Numbers 22:5-24:25)  I am struck by how far the Lord will go to get our attention.  God used a loyal animal to get Balaam to finally see and hear God.  Once his eyes and ears are opened...

"The angel of the Lord asked him, "Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me." (22:32)

I am forced to consider my own path this morning.  As I look at the path I am on, I don't see it as sinful, uncaring, world focused, harmful to others, etc.    But is it reckless?   Dictionary.com defines reckless as utterly unconcerned about the consequences of some action; without caution; careless.  The angel was warning Balaam that he was doing life before God in a way that was utterly unconcerned about the consequences of his actions.    And God opposed that!

As I think upon my "path," I wonder if I am unconcerned about the consequences of my path before God? Am I living before God without caution?  I don't think so, or at least I hope not.   I know that my perspective can be skewed.  My perception of my reality is easily tilted in my favor.  But, I am afraid that I am living way too safe at times.  It is part of my personality makeup to play it safe, and God is reminding me today that He opposes me choosing "safe" over "obedience."  There are times when my obedience will appear to others as being unconcerned about consequences.  They will potentially look at a decision and say, "Joel, don't you know what will happen if you do that?  Don't you realize the impact that is going to have on the church?  On your schedule?  On your family?  But there is one thing that I can be sure of: when I walk in obedience, God takes responsibility for the consequences.  I know without a shadow of doubt, that God will never leave me and never forsake me.  Jacob's life is a great example of this principle.  We may look at being sold into slavery, being thrown in jail for false allegations as being forsaken.  But God took all of his faithfulness and obedience and worked it out for His good and glory.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  (Romans 8:28)

Balaam was living in such a way that was unconcerned about the consequences of his actions before God, and God opposes that.  In my case, my inaction is reckless before God.  My decision to not do something that God wants me to do is behaving in a way that appears to be utterly unconcerned about the consequences.  God opposes that!

Whether God wants me to do something, or not do something: the key lesson for me today is to be obedient!  To do otherwise is to live recklessly before my Lord and He opposes that.

Lord, help me walk in obedience.  Please forgive me when I walk as though I am not concerned about the consequences of my obedience.  Thank you for not giving me what I deserve and also for giving me what I don't deserve.  Amen

What are you looking for?

Last week I started a series of messages looking at people who had an encounter with Jesus when they weren't looking for Jesus.  I have discovered a couple of things in common with these stories.  The first is that Jesus notices people that are hurting.  I know that we have all seen the footprints in the sand illustration, but I really think it is true.  So I wonder why so many people start entertaining thoughts that God has left them during their hardest days of life.  Friends, I just want to remind you that Jesus notices our hurts.

The next thing that I have discovered in these encounters is that Jesus has something for these individuals to do.  "Go wash..."  "Get up..."  "Go and tell..."  Friends, when we are touched by Jesus, we need to go and do something with a grateful heart and we need to go tell someone about our Jesus touch.

Tomorrow, I can't wait to teach on the widow who was on her way to bury her son.  She wasn't looking for Jesus and she may not have even known who Jesus was, but then all of the sudden... there he was walking up to her.  He knew her need and he met her need.

This has been a powerful word of encouragement in my own life this week.

Blessings,

Joel