“I’ve got your back”…we love those assuring words, don’t we?. “I will show them ‘my back’ and not my face…”, God says in Jeremiah 12: 5. NOT reassuring words, in fact I can’t think of any words more distressing than to have the Creator of the world turn His back on me! The Israelites had exchanged their first love (of God) and chosen instead, disobedience and idolatry. They were proud, stiff-necked and against God’s ways…
Sound like anyone you know?
In those days people from many nations passed by and asked, “Why had the Lord done such a thing?’ And the answer was: “Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord their God and have worshipped and served other Gods.’”
In this day the “song and dance” is the same. Seekers of pleasure, people of entitlement, and consumed with our own ways. “How do I know?” you ask. Look around. What do you see? Wars and rumors of wars, international uncertainty, disorder, absence of strong biblical leadership, broken relationships, independent and divisive spirits, spiritual deadness, lethargy toward good works and service, self-first mentality, absence of humility and hospitality, (me first…gimme mine!) to mention a few…
What did God do when the Old Testament nation of Israel decided to walk contrary to His plan, purpose and way? He turned his back! My grandson, Christopher (pictured above) sent me a verse from Proverbs 19: 23 this morning. It is a promise that comes with a condition that calls us to obedience, if we want to live a life of contentment (regardless of circumstance) and be untouched by trouble.
“The fear of the Lord leads to life (this is the Promise,
IF we will fear the consequence of sin and act accordingly),
then one rests content, untouched by trouble”!
In a world confounded by chaos and bewilderment, it is a blessing to be able to claim the promise and provision of His word, as we choose to walk in harmony with Him…He knows “the way through this wilderness”.
Who will follow Him?
~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America. Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California. My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights.
