Prayer Journal

Sunday, February 15, 2004

Maybe you've heard of waiting on God. The Israelites didn't have a problem with the concept in the desert. When the cloud of God's presence was in the tabernacle, they waited before packing up things. But, when the cloud lifted above the tabernacle, they packed up and followed it.

Mark is the second of three synoptic gospels in the Bible. The word, "synoptic" means Matthew, Mark and Luke are parallel accounts of Jesus' life and ministry. It's significant that the first chapter of the second book of Mark begins by quoting Isaiah 40:3: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way."

Mark was speaking of John the Baptist (Vs 1:2-3), but I'm reminded of the Israelites following the cloud and fire through the desert. Another similar example was Jesus being led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted. Later in the first chapter of Mark, Jesus told his disciples, "Come, follow me." It is important who we follow, why we follow and how we follow, isn't it?

I think it would be an incredible experience to follow God by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. There'd be no doubt who was doing the leading and where he was leading wouldn't be nearly as important as the fact he was leading me. It would be hard to get ahead of God in that case, wouldn't it?

Jesus was always synchronized with the Father and the disciples didn't need to ask Jesus where he was going either. The fact he was going was enough reason to get up and go with him.

Well, we have a similar privilege today and we don't need a cloud or a ball of fire in the sky. Neither do we need to ask directions for the One who dwells in us is God. How great is that? All we have to do is wait for him before moving.

I challenge you to commit yourself anew to following God. Get in his word and listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to your own. Then when he moves, don't resist, but allow him as he takes you where the Father wants you to go.

Just Thinkin'... WebServant

1. Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Ex. 39:1-40:38 Mk. 1:1-28 Ps. 35:1-16 Pr. 9:11-12 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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