June 13
1 Kings 11:1-12:19 | PS 131:1-3 | Prov 17:4-5 | Acts 9:1-25
A vision or a dream can be a jarring initiation to one's walk with God. First of all, one must always test the spirits to make sure they are of God (1 John 4:1). If that dream or vision is contrary to the Word of God, beware. But importantly, you can not rest on that experience. That vision or dream can launch you on the path of faith, but we cannot depend on these past experiences to maintain us on the path. Many will state, "If only I could hear directly or see a vision", as though this is all they need for that walk of faith. Jesus told Thomas in John 20:31, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed". The truth is, God knows what each one needs. These experiences will often get one's attention, but once these dreams and visions are in the past, it is our trust and obedience to the Word of God and reliance on the indwelling Holy Spirit that will maintain our walk through life's difficulties.
King Solomon had two very vivid encounters with God. One at the beginning of his reign in 1 Kings 3, and again in chapter 9 after Solomon builds the temple. In wisdom he did many great things, including writing three books of God's Word. For many years he walked with God, and God blessed his life. But sadly, things did not end well for Solomon, as he married many foreign wives and he worshiped their gods, committing spiritual adultery. Both times, God warned Solomon that this walk required him to continue to follow God's statutes, commands and judgments. His earlier encounters were no guarantee for his long term walk. We read in Acts 9 of Paul's blinding encounter with the Lord Jesus. This encounter transformed this Christian killer to as Jesus put it in 9:15, "he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel". Paul's walk with God was launched by this vision, and he ended well, not because of this vision, but because he steadfastly kept his eyes on the Lord throughout his life, and because of this, his story ended well, even though he was eventually beheaded for his faith.
Too many seek the bells and whistles. Too many pastors have forgotten their purpose and believe the congregants need to be entertained in order to maintain church attendance. If this is what is keeping those individuals in the church, then they are already lost (perhaps temporarily). Our walk is a marathon, not a series of sprints. It can not rely on a continuous barrage of encounters. It requires us to be invested in His Word, and to maintain daily (not weekly or monthly) a desire to maintain a life of obedience to God, whom we truly love. There are no shortcuts or days off in this course that lies before us. Difficulties will come, but He will be there. Great moments will occur, and He is there also. He will never leave us or forsake us, and He also knows what each of us need for the path that He has marked out for us, His chosen vessels for such a time as this.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: