This book was written about 60 years after Christ had risen from the dead.
Lets read chapter one.
Chapter one covers the conception and birth of John the Baptist.
John's purpose in life was to prepare the way of the Lord. To prepare the people to receive the promise of Jesus Christ. That was his life call. That was his mission.
God has a funny way of preparing someone for a lifetime of ministry. John didn't get sent to some fancy school or prominent ministry. He never was an intern or an apprentice. He didn't get to sit at the feet of great teachers like the apostle Paul.
How did God equip and train John for a lifetime of service?
vs. 80 "John grew up and became strong in spirit. Then he lived out in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel."
Why do you think that God trained John in the wilderness?
Here are my thoughts: God's voice is described as a "Still, small voice." It is a voice that is easily drowned out by itunes, American idol, Text messages, Facebook, and friends. God usually doesn't interrupt me, and has never shouted louder than I shout when I'm angry. I have never been in the middle of a fight with someone and had God speak to me and I hear him.
God speaks best in Isolation. Or maybe I should say that We hear best, in Isolation.
So many people today are afraid of quiet. They are afraid of being alone, afraid of solitude. If they are alone, their cell is turned on, instant messenger is open on the computer, and the T.V is usually on. That is not solitude.
So many people wonder why they don't clearly hear the voice of the Lord. I would say the number one reason people don't hear God's voice is because he will not shout over American Idol!
We, as human beings need solitude. We crave intimacy with God and that only comes through unstructured, unhurried time alone with God.
Are you afraid of the wilderness? Are you afraid of solitude?
How much unstructured, unhurried time do you spend with God? Do you give him the time to speak to you and do you take the time to listen?
What is your opinion? What do you think about this?
Shut everything off and get away with God. Spend some intimate time with God today!
3 comments:
Before freshman year, I went on a wilderness trip in Wisconsin with other new Wheaton College girls and it was the most amazing experience we've ever had with God. We didn't have watches, cell phones, anything but the clothes on our backs and some freeze dried food. We hiked for 14 days, and 3 of those we were completely in solitude with our Bibles and God. No food or anything to distract us, and finally I felt like God's voice was the clearest I could hear. It was incredible. When we "be still, and know that [he is] God" he will give us DIRECT revelation. It doesn't get much better than that on this earth.
I need to be seeking out that time ALONE with him. Sometimes my car is the best place for it-even the tanning bed or shower. No one has an excuse to not have solitude with God :)
Sometimes, going out in the "wilderness" is simple as shutting down the computer, turning the phone off, and taking 20 minutes of your day to let God regain your attention.
I make it a point to try and "get away" everyday. Even if its only for 15 minutes. Like you said, God doesn't interrupt, so if I wanna get somethin, I've gotta let him have my attention.
I needa start goin in my wilderness more often. I don't know why I haven't done this in the past. I think this is a great way to get personal with your relationship with God. But n e who if u want I made a blog and it sucks but I'm working on it. it's koopzkorna.blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT
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