When I
learnt to write it was on a slate board with chalk. Today people have computers
– with spell checks. At least I was one step ahead of those in ancient time who
had to write. They virtually had to collect the ingredients, clay, then cut
into it their words – hieroglyphics – then baked their tablet before posting
it. It is
from that background of the writer being initially an engraver we can
appreciate certain facets of God’s word. A lot of our writing technology today
is subject to decay at a faster rate than clay baked. Shards with inscriptions
are still be found two thousand and more years later.
It is
worthwhile to note that God is the original engraver. The 10 Commandments were
chiselled into rock by the finger of God, Exodus 31:18. The originals were
placed in the Ark of the Covenant as a testimony to the Nation. The trouble was
that the people honoured the writings but were deaf to its message. There were,
of course, notable exceptions who stand out in Biblical history. As the Lord
wanted His people to know His commands, judgements and statutes He had the
people wear them as a sign upon their hands and between their eyes. The New
Testament described them as phylacteries. Householders were instructed to have
the commandments on their doorposts and gates. In my youth I called upon people
whose house had these words printed on their veranda.
The
trouble was it was all outward, not inward.
God’s
intention is for His people, you and me included, to have them engraved on our
hearts. This is another of the implications behind the picture of God as the
potter. If we are the clay, and we need to be, guess what He wants to do?
Engrave His word into our heart. Hebrews 10:16 quotes Jeremiah who in turn
expressed the Lord God’s intention. That was to write His laws into the hearts of His
people. The wonder of this is summed up by the Psalmist “Your word have I
hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you.’ (119:11) As with clay we
too must experience the baking process. For us the 'furnace' comes when what we hear from
God’s word and the flames of doubt, fear, opposition and
self-interest flare up and blaze away. It is the testimony of our faith and conviction that
God’s word is true which cause the flames to engrave God’s word
on our heart and mind.
Job’s
words in chapter 19:23-24 is a cry for people to properly understand his
situation and hope in God. 'O that with an iron pen and with lead they (my words) were engraved on a rock forever.' The Almighty went better that that. He inscribed them into His Scriptures which endures forever. Job's story is unique but his cry is a challenge to us
all. We each have a unique testimony, simple or complex, everyday stuff or strange. The Lord wants to use our testimony to witness to His power, grace and providence. This is especially important within your family arena. Record, on any one of modern day devices (or like me, on old fashion paper) to tell the Lord's dealings in your life. This information can speak to your
family and friends long after you are dead. Let your journey with the Lord’s be engraved deep within your being and yet available to be read by the inquisitive, the enquirers and even the cynics.
Job's hope, confidence and longing are poignantly expressed in Job 19:25—29.
He
knows his Redeemer lives. Job has been doing it tough and doesn't have 'cut and dried' simplistic answers to his sadness. We know not where, where or how this man and the Lord entered into a redeemed relationship, but it happened. His conviction was unshakable. Job also
believed his Redeemer will stand upon this earth. That is pointing to two events. The first of course when Jesus entered our history at Bethlehem to become the Redeemer. The second time will be when He returns to establish His kingdom. This is the very kingdom we pray for when we say the Lord’s Prayer!
Job
knows he will die yet is convinced he will live and behold His
Redeemer. Such a hope and reality points to belief in a personal resurrection. The very thought of this meeting seems to make him go 'weak at the knees'. This is the wonder of our relationship too. We shall see Jesus face
to face even though death may stand between us at the moment. For those who know Jesus as Redeemer the fear of meeting Him is non existent. The same cannot be said for those who reject Him as Lord and Saviour.
Until that day we are to live out what the Spirit of God has engraved within. Then when life throws its cruel, callous and chaotic 'stones' at us we will say, even through tears “I know my Redeemer lives!”
File/Devotional
seminar – tahlee.
