112- A counsel for the transition 2.

And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass
over unto the other side.”

Mark 4:35

Yesterday, we mentioned that the World is in transition and so is the church. Transition simply involves a movement from a point to another. We mentioned the three important components of every transition story: Transition is purposeful, purposeful transition is in due time and it is initiated by the voice of God. Our meditation today is on the voice of God which initiates the transition. Discerning the voice of God is crucial for the church in these dark times. Peter said in John 6:68 that the Lord Jesus alone has the Words that give eternal life. Therefore, hearing and discerning God’s voice is a matter of life and death.

There are two important things to note about the leadings of the Lord. First, Jesus is alive. Revelations 1:18 says: “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” This is the basis for which we can trust Him. God had a voluntarily human experience, so He can identify with any logical reason to doubt Him. He also tasted death for every man and lives, so He is the only one who can help man live forever with Him. Next, He lives and dwells within His church, His bride. The church is called the pillar and ground of truth, 1 Timothy 3:15. The church is not only a place of instruction, but it is a place of solution for the world. The time is coming where we will need counsel for nations. The safety of the church is in the unity of the Church. Individually submitting to the body of Christ, His church, is for our safety. This knowledge will prevent any individual from veering off on their own.

During the time of the Israelites in the wilderness, God guided and spoke to them through a cloud and prophets. However, now, He speaks through His Son Jesus who dwells in us as the Holy Spirit, Hebrews 1:1-3. The Holy Spirit within us tells us God’s will per season per time. God also speaks within the confines of His Word. His written Word is the counsel of God which will be fulfilled. Meditating on the Word of God and hiding His word in our hearts make it easier to discern and stay on track with the move of God. His Word is the light that lights every man and is a lamp unto our feet. There is safety in the leading of God. Where we are safest is in His will. Therefore it is important to know what the Lord said before the transition and also remain conscious of His presence during the transition.

Often times, the leading of the Lord can come as a knowing. The instruction of the LORD was not always vocal but a cooperate understanding of what the LORD was saying. It comes as a knowing of what the Lord is doing, 1 John 2:20. The people of Israel did not hear any utterance, they only saw the cloud and they knew what to do, Numbers 1:23-23. Sometimes, it comes as a burden like in the case of Nehemiah in Nehemiah 1-2. A burden is often an indication of the call of God upon your life. You may just find yourself burdened for an aspect of the Lords house, this is a way God leads. Moses was burdened for the deliverance of God’s people, but He let His anger get the best of Him when he killed an Egyptian to save his people, Exodus 2:11-22. Yet God had ordained that he would be the deliverer of His people.

God is always speaking. Concerning transitions, both the ability to hear before and during the transition are important. Hearing is a heritage, not just a privilege of the Sons of God. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice and they follow me“, John 10:27. As a child of God, you hear His voice and follow Him. What has the Lord spoken to you in this time? As you follow diligently in His command, He will bring you to weightier matters, where He can commit nations into our hands.

Prayer for today: Lord Jesus thank you for being My good Shepherd. Lord as Your sheep I know I hear your voice. I therefore declare that I hear and know your counsel. As Your word assured me that I will always hear a voice behind me saying "this is the way, walk in it", I will never walk in darkness or ignorance because I follow you!