On Saving

     I hadn't really thought of it before, but I saw a commercial this morning.  It was no different from any other commercial.  If anything, the dull presentation had very little with which to catch my attention.  At least he wasn't a screaming car salesman.  This car salesman spoke slowly, with a near-perfect monotone.  He explained how people could save money by purchasing cars from his company.  That's odd, I thought, you're not really saving money, you're just spending less.  Since that thought, I've noticed that the predominant definition of "save" is to "spend less."  And what do we do with the money we "save"?  We spend it.

     What if Jesus had the same definition of saving us as we have of saving money?  What if He considered us "saved" by simply not doing anything to us.  I'm glad the salvation of our souls is not the same as saving money.

     To set aside or reserve-- that was the definition that I associated with saving money.  What changed?  When did it change?  We work and earn money.  Then, we either save it or spend it (I consider investment a form of spending).  That's how the money works.  When did we decide that not doing anything with the money was saving it?  In the parable of the talents, it was the servant who did nothing with his money who lost everything.

Getting God's Go-Ahead

     I've heard it many times: "God has a special plan for you.  Make sure you find out what it is so that you can live up to your potential."  The view does have a positive outlook on individuality and the special calling of each person.  My only qualm with this statement is that it tends to paralyze the believer.  Fearful questions whirl through their minds as they watch trials coming their way.  They wonder if they have truly followed God's calling, if they have truly listened, if perhaps they ought to wait a little longer.  Frozen in their tracks, they look to their leaders, who say, "God has a special plan for you.  Make sure you find out what it is so that you can live up to your potential."

     I've been reading through Exodus.  My imagination soars as I picture the scenes playing out before me.  The Israelites have escaped from Egypt and have stopped to camp at the shores of the Red (not Reed) Sea.  The heat of the day is just beginning to ease as the sun slowly sets in the horizon.  For them, the view is astounding, because they can see the setting sun in the West, and giant pillar of fire lit in the East.  

     As some look at the setting sun, they see something disturbing.  A dark cloud has risen in the West.  Not too long after they see the forboding cloud, they see a mighty army approaching them.  Terrified, they run back to the camp and spread the word, "The Egyptians are coming!  We will all die!"  The news reach the ears of Moses.  The die-hard cynical comidians mutter, "Were there not enough graves in Egypt, that you had to bring us out here to die?"  Not amused, Moses rises up and the panicked mass grow a little quieter.

     "Don't be afraid.  Stand firm and you'll see the deliverance the LORD will bring to you today.  The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.  The LORD will fight for you; you need only be still."  Still frightened, the crowd turns to the West.  They must wait.  

     Moses prays, and then a surprising message comes from God to him.  "Why are you crying out to me?  Tell the Israelites to move on."  Instructions follow.  It is then that one of the most astounding displays of power in the Bible plays out for the Israelites.

     The pillar of fire breaks away and smashes down in front of the Egyptians.  For two entire days, it holds them back.  Meanwhile, God has told Moses to put his staff in the water.  A strong East wind carves through the water, marking a dry path for people to walk, lined with massive walls of water.  When the Israelites have passed safely through, the Egyptians are allowed to pursue.  The walls of water rush in on them, churning, crashing, and roaring.  I cannot help but wonder if they even had a chance to scream.

     "Tell the Israelites to move on," God told the leader.  And then He took care of things for them.

     I think that perhaps God might say the same thing again.  "Tell the Christians to move on."  He'll take care of you, and you'll see your pathway as you walk.

Where To Go

Perhaps the most useless type of compass would be one that says, "You are lost."  It would not point where to go, give no direction.

A study of the Word of God that doesn't lead anywhere or trigger any kind of thought would say nothing more than "You are lost."  It ought to direct the reader, and give him or her a goal in life.  Here I place my thoughts on my studies.  Perhaps I may not do more than "You are lost," but I hope they lead me somewhere useful.  Toward life.  Toward truth.  Toward God.