My testimony, though dear and personal to me, is of no significant difference from the testimony of any other wandering sinner who has turned their back on God, pursued the ways of this world and then returned to God. I read my story in numerous places in scripture and know that I am not alone in this experience.
My study verse today is
Jeremiah 31:21 (NIV)
21 “Set up road signs;
put up guideposts.
Take note of the highway,
the road that you take.
Return, O Virgin Israel,
return to your towns.
[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984
This bit of prophecy was delivered as the people of Israel were being led into captivity in Babylon. In that historical context it was meant to encourage the Israelites to remember well from whence they came, take note of the roads and leave markers behind (a trail of breadcrumbs if you will) for they would soon be returning by that same path to their homeland. It would be a faithful, hopeful and God-fearing Israelite that would pause along that road to leave such markers, even as they marched into captivity.
To me, this verse speaks of the need for people such as myself to point out the guideposts and road-signs to those who are wandering away. To offer the map of God's love to all those weary travellers who are lost in the desert and looking for the way home. To offer water, compassion and guidance to any who seek to slip the bonds of slavery to this world but having exited the dungeon, have no idea where to go.
As an individual, we are to continually turn towards God, take the road He has laid before us and return home. This is the path marked by repentance and sanctification.
As a church, we are to shine bright lights on the road-signs and guideposts that we may direct the lost to a new home and a new hope in God.
As a nation, we are to recall with fond remembrances how we came to be in the place where we are and with that remembrance we are to yearn for and look forward to a restoration with God.
Keep your eyes on the horizon and keep a careful watch for the sign-posts.
Carl
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1 comment:
Yes, Carl ... we who have been following Christ, having wandered in the wilderness of sin for so long, do need to become lights in the darkness, ... human signposts ... who can be used by God to light the way to Himself. We must follow the command of Matt. 5: 16 in this regard.
God wanted Israel to be His signposts in the darkened plains and deserts of the Middle East of ancient days to lead others to their Lord. But they often got diverted in their pursuits of selfishness, and many times not leaving signposts behind; and therefore it was difficult for them to find their way back to God.
But even with these diversions, God has never left the light off for His people ... always leaving a light out for for them (us) to find our way back to Him when we wander off into the wilderness.
Oh, how I pray that we can continue to follow His light (see Ps. 119: 105) and see our way in the darkness of this world to diligently follow our Lord. And I always pray that we, ourselves, are lights to lead others to Him.
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