The scene is very familiar.
The two children are disciplined again for being naughty. The parents together agreed that the suitable response to the indiscretion was to ban the television watching for the evening. If the children follow this carefully, they will be allowed television watching as usual the next evening.
As evening approaches the older child encourages the younger child to join in sneaking into the living room to watch their favourite programme. The younger child is unsure. The instruction was clear – no TV for the evening, that’s what the parents said. The older child, however, insists it’s alright, having overheard a conversation between the Mum and a friend, the impression was given that the punishment was over and normal television watching can be resumed. The younger child is a bit confused. The instruction was clear from the parents, but what the older sibling says sounds convincing. After all it is their favourite programme and now they can watch it.
The younger goes in, there are no parents around. The TV is turned on, the programme starts and after a few moments the younger child is engrossed … just as the door dramatically swings open suddenly and there with stern face is the Dad. No excuses are accepted, the instruction was clear. If there was going to be any change he would have said so. If there was any confusion it should have been addressed directly with the parents. As far as he sees, Dad sees the younger being disobedient and despite the protests and justifications, the younger child must face the consequences of the acts.
This will not be pretty.
I’m sure nothing like that ever happened to you. You were a good child growing up and if you had siblings they also were angelic in conduct. (Excuse me while I quietly vomit.) Apply your imagination to this scenario in this instance.
Something not too dissimilar happens in 1 Kings 13 except with far more fatal consequences than banned television watching (if you can imagine such an outcome). God gives specific instructions to a prophet – don’t go back, don’t eat, don’t drink. Yet on his way from his mission he’s met by an old prophet who suggests he returns with him for dinner. When the younger man explains the direct instructions, the older man makes up a story that an angel told him that God said it’s all good and those instructions no longer apply. The younger man of God takes this word, goes back, eats and drinks. In the course of the meal the old prophet shares an actual word from God rebuking the younger man for disobedience and outlining what deadly fate awaits.
I read that story and am reminded about the importance of taking God’s Word seriously and being obedient. I know in this day some believers struggle to understand how to know how God speaks. This is why it’s good to get to know how God speaks when He speaks. But He does speak and He does it in an unmistakable way, so you can get the message. Whether in nature, through scripture, in a dream, through circumstances, in conversation with others – however He talks, He talks. He talks because He insists on a two way relationship with us, we talk and He listens, He speaks and expects us to respond appropriately.
Even if we get stuck on all the specifics His Words outlines clear instructions. As we familiarise ourselves with these then they can guide our steps … as long as we obey what He says. Obeying requires a deep respect for Who has spoken and the importance of the instruction. This certainly helps us to focus so our own desires don’t impede our progress or we won’t get caught up with fear and respect of persons rather than God. If that does bring tension and conflict, far better endure that, than make a mockery of the most important relationship in life.
God in Christ by His Spirit speaks. For His sake, let’s learn to treasure, trust and obey what He says.
Who knows maybe we get to watch some TV afterwards.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 