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Pay Attention
Jeff WeinkaufExodus 23:20-22
20 “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. 21 Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. 22 If you listen carefully to what he says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you.
As I read through the story of the Exodus, one of my favorite parts is the visible presence of God (in the form of a cloud) which travels along with Israel. It's comforting and empowering to know that God goes before us today as well. Preparing, protecting, and providing. "I am sending...I am preparing", God's assurance that He is with us as we go.
With good news like that, It's easy to brush past verse 21 and miss the weightiness that comes along with God directing our journey. God is surely with us - amen and amen. AND He's not a passive tag along. His is an active participant and requires our attention for the fullness of His blessing to flow. The words of vs 21 are directive, not suggestive. "Pay attention...and listen...".
God has a plan: "I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.".
It's His plan, which I am made part of. So it makes sense that He should have my attention and instruct me on what the plan entails. If I just go about my own way and do my own thing I'm not going to see the perfection in the results He has planned. I'd be off the mark on my own. No, I'm not saying I'd be doing the polar opposite (although that possible) but even if I'm off the mark a little, I've still missed the mark. The word for that is sin.
So the take away for me is to work to be as active as God is. I must work to actively turn my face towards His and seek His instruction, I know, it's basic, no great insight here but I'm afraid I am guilty all the time of managing my own portfolio. As I work out my faith, as I try to be more like Him, I'm comforted that He is with me. I'm encouraged that He has instructions for me. I just need to listen carefully, and then do what he says.
God I am grateful you will go before me today. I recognize you are in charge and submit myself to the plans you have. Thank you for reminding me that you have a part, and I have a part, and my part is to pay attention, listen, and do what you instruct. Thank you that your instructions are trustworthy and have our best in mind. Please help me to do what you instruct faithfully. Amen
