A Place of Springs

A psalmist wrote, Blessed are those whose strength is in thee, in whose heart are the ways of them. (Ps. 84:5 KJV) The NIV translates ways of them as a pilgrimage. The psalmist was referring to the Israelites who made a pilgrimage or a journey to observe festivals in Jerusalem. They were blessed as they traveled because their hearts were set on worshipping God.

Today we do not have to make physical journeys to worship—we make spiritual journeys. Jesus taught this when He said, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem . . . God is Spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth. (Jn. 4:21,44 NIV)

Nevertheless, the psalmist’s words still apply, because even a spiritual journey requires determination. There will be obstacles, things that hinder or distract us from focusing on God. In fact, we learn the pilgrims travel through the Valley of Baca. . . . (Ps. 84:6a NIV) and valleys refer to trials.

But when a heart is set on worshiping God, His people experience refreshing even when they walk through valleys. Baca referred to springs or a well of water that God provided in the valley. God's waters provide sustenance. Although the journey might be difficult, God’s people emerge refreshed, restored and renewed. They go from strength to strength. (v. 7a) as they move forward.

Originally published August 19, 1988.
Picture: Wildflowers, Glacier National Park, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

I Did Not Hide

To stand one’s ground in the face of persecution—or even ridicule—requires faith and strength. But sometimes, as when the prophet Isaiah withstood hostile attacks, he turned his suffering into prophetic revelation. Writing about himself, he prophesied of Jesus: I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. (Is. 50:6 NIV)

It is difficult to fathom the horror of that type of experience. Yet Christians throughout history have suffered intense persecution. The end of Isaiah's story is not happy. Tradition tells us he is the man referred to in Hebrews 11:37 who was sawed in two.

Most of Jesus' apostles were martyrs. Paul submitted to jail rather than deny God’s revelation—and tradition tells us he also died as a martyr. And the sad reality is that many suffer today for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah shared a message of commitment: I have set my face like a flint. . . . (Is. 50:7b) Although he did not experience victory while he lived, he looked beyond life to His God, to the One who offers ultimate victory.

Originally published September 20, 1985.
Picture: Lois's garden, Spokane, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Respond to the Call

Deborah was one of the early judges or governmental leaders of the Israelites after they settled in Canaan. She was also a prophetess, and she met the needs of the people as she sat under a Palm tree. Truly, these were primitive people living in primitive times—but they responded to a woman’s leadership.

When Israel was called to fight a Canaanite commander named Sisera, Deborah knew it was a time to exercise a different type of leadership. She became a military leader, and in this new position she called for a united effort by reaching out to all twelve tribes of Israel.

Some responded and some did not, but with her general named Barak, she led the army into battle. Then another woman, a woman named Jael , entered the story by responding to the call as well. She killed the enemy general!

When it was over—and when the battle was won through the efforts of many and through the initiatives of two women—Deborah sang a song of victory. She mentioned those who failed to respond: there was much searching of heart . . . Why did you stay among the campfires. . . ? (Judges 5:15c,16a NIV) She emphasized those who came forward to join: When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves—praise the Lord! (v. 2)

God had encouraged the people and given them the faith, wisdom, and strength they needed to prevail. Deborah had reason to rejoice.

Originally published July 29, 1988.
Picture: Commercial landscape, Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.