Never Changed
Judges 6:1 KJV And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.
Judges 6:6-7 KJV And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD. (7) And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,
… and thus went the story of Gideon and the incredible demonstration of God’s loving hand of protection and deliverance over His people.
I don’t even remember what it was she ‘did’ to me, but I clearly remember standing in the back yard of our house in Burlington, greatly tempted to proclaim what I thought one of my sisters to be at that moment. Though I knew better and I’m sure had a clue that there might be something to pay for it, I finally gave in and loudly declared my sister to be (a two word phrase that describes) someone of less that full mental capacity. While my revenge was sweet for the few moments it took to state my feelings, there was someone else who observed my failure. I was quickly ushered in to the ‘room of doom’ where it was made very clear to my soul through the place that I sit down that these kinds of things would never again be spoken. What was interesting about this experience for me was my perception of my Dad during my experience of what my own actions/words brought on me. It seemed that the one who had provided and cared for me, played ball with me and taken me hunting was now severely against me. I had fallen out of his favor and now I had only frustration and anger towards him. What I came to understand, though, was that in the middle of what I saw as a severed relationship, from my father’s side there was no loss of love or care whatsoever. He just needed me to have a heart change. Though there has since been this need over and over again in my life, the change Dad was after that day was largely achieved as I don’t recall having used those words towards anyone since. What I thought to be a separation and abandonment in my relationship was never that from Dad’s standpoint. He was ever ready to do whatever would be in my best interest, even if that meant allowing my actions to have consequences.
Like Gideon, hiding away from the threats of danger in the world around him, there may be a wondering of what has happened to the God who, according to the stories, brought deliverance and the promise of abundance and freedom to His people. What is reality and what is truth, however, is that His position has never changed. He is just in need of a heart change from us and a return to Him for the favor He continually desires to bring into our life. Though the punishment may apparently be great and the risen enemy ominous, God has never forsaken, but always considers ours enemies to be his, no matter how badly we’ve transgressed. Just on the other side of obedience is an overwhelming confirmation of this truth. Until the heart change is demonstrated by complete trust and compliance, though, the perceived separation may continue. Never will His purpose be other than our completeness and restoration,, and an embrace and incredible time of fellowship awaits the son or daughter who will only rise from their self-chosen pigsty to return with repentance to a Father who has never changed in His love and desire to bless. A great victory and demonstration of His love is waiting down the road of pursuing His will and His kingdom.
Psalms 30:5 KJV For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.