Abram had cut a covenant (Genesis 15:8-13) with God. As he walked between the divided animals he drove the birds away but Abram was terrified. This particular covenant meant that if either party did not uphold their part – what happened to the animals would happen to the failing one. This covenant was with Almighty God and Abram knew he was not capable of fulfilling his responsibility in this contract. A horror of great darkness fell upon him. Was that the end for Abram? You know God better than that. When the sun was setting the Lord caused a deep sleep to overcome Abram and while he slept - - God took care of both halves (VS.17) of the contract.
The results of that contract still bless us because (Romans 9:7) from Abraham’s line came the Messiah of Israel and the Saviour of the world.
When we have times of darkness – confusion – uncertainty, we need to be still and wait for God’s timing. Don’t listen to seemingly good advice from Sarai or anyone else. Don’t settle for Hagar (Genesis 16:1) but listen and wait for El Shaddai, the Father-Mother God. No one could be more fully aware of and care more for our needs and His timing is always perfect. Does Ishmael represent what we think we need and in our impatience we’ll use a Hagar or anything handy to get our so-called needs met? Be still and know (Psalms 46:10) not that I am Hagar – but that I AM Almighty God and I love you. A good rule for times when we don’t know what to do – is – do nothing! Don’t act apart from (Isaiah 64:4) His direction. Don’t be agitated but REST in the Lord (Psalms 37:7) and wait patiently for Him. STAND STILL (Exodus 14:13) and see the salvation God will show you.
We could experience situations that seem dark and frightening – BUT – if we trust the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6) not our own wits – He will give us direction. At those very times our focus should be – must be on God – Who He is – What He is – all He is and not on our circumstances. As we delight in the wonder of (Psalms 37:4) our very desires will be God-given desires.
Do I have any proof that it is always best to trust the Lord, which always brings the best results? You know there are many proofs in Scripture, in history and in our own lives. I will remind you of just one.
After 70 years of captivity in Babylon the Jews needed a decree from King Cyrus which would allow them to return to Israel and rebuild the temple. Not to worry - - 150 years before Cyrus was born (Isaiah 44:28) God had already ordained him for the job, which (Ezra 1:1-11) he fulfilled. So far – so good - - BUT – (Ezra 5) -Tattenai (governor west of Euphrates) and Shethar-Boznai came and questioned Zerubbabel and Joshua about their right or authority to rebuild the temple. From the beginning of their work the Jews had opposition on every side. They were so discouraged and fearful (Ezra 4:24) that the work ceased. Their latest enemies wrote to King Darius II asking him to make a decree to stop the building of the temple entirely.
It’s God’s people and God’s temple – so why would the Lord allow such a thing? Just wait – you’ll see. Darius (EZRA 6) searched the archives and discovered the proclamation of Cyrus. The trouble-makers were anxiously waiting for his reply – quite sure they would receive authority to trample on the Jews and God’s temple. What a humiliating shock they received. Darius ordered that they were not to interfere with or hinder in any way the building project – BUT – they were ordered to FUND IT! (Are you doing a joy dance)? They could not stop the rebuilding of the temple but they must pay for it. Anyone who disobeyed the king’s orders was to be nailed to a beam from his house (Vs.6-11) and his house would be demolished. AND the elders of the Jews (VS.14) built and prospered.
Isn’t that a solemn reminder that to substitute our will for God’s will is very dangerous? The more truth we know – the greater will be the consequences of our sin.
Go slowly – ponder – meditate:
The veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom (Mark 15:38) – from God down to man – and the Holy of Holies was exposed to view. This was a preview of a tremendous, costly, holy privilege. The body of Jesus was torn by scourging and crucifixion so that every Blood-cleansed sinner has access to the Holy of Holies in heaven. There Sovereign Majesty Who (Isaiah 57:15) dwells in eternity and rules on His high and lofty throne – lovingly welcomes us. The Father Himself (John 16:27) loves you.
As we spend time there beyond time – (where time has no restrictions on our prayers because time has no restrictions on God) – in the Holy of Holies in eternity – our desires for whatever will melt away and our desire for God’s will – will eclipse all other desires and be greater than for anything in the world.
Can we say that God’s will – God’s way – God’s timing is the (Psalms 27:4) “one thing” we ask of the Lord?