Although I have not been subjected to the belly of a big fish, I have been unsettled these past several days because of my disobedience to God.
Several month ago, the Holy Spirit directed me to investigate the possibility of a mentoring program similar to the Jericho Commission that would serve some of the people we are meeting through the Sunday lunches at the Gathering Tree. I had a meeting with one of the board members, attended some training, received the materials, and then. . .nothing. The folder has sit on my desk at home gathering dust, a constant reminder of my avoidance of God's directive to me.
If I am going to avoid the big fish's belly, I need to get moving.
It is interesting how God chooses to "discipline" his children for disobedience. Scripture is replete with God's discipline, correction and punishment.
The Israelites were constantly being overrun by other nations because of their disobedience. Forty extra years in the desert as a result of a graven image. Jonah was sentenced to three days in the Halibut Hilton for his refusal to obey God. Old Testament discipline/correction was harsh and obvious.
Those OT examples of discipline are nonexistance in the NT. In the NT God chooses to guide/correct in a more relational style. Peter received multiple verbal rebukes. James and John were taught the error of their thinking when arguing over where each would sit in God's kingdom. Jesus moved from OT physical discipline to a personal, relational approach. That is what I have been experiencing these past several days.
Unsettled. Ill-at-ease. No giant fishes. No invasion of the Philistines. Just that purple folder on my desk remind me of my unwillingness to take the next step. That still, small voice reminding me of my disobedience.
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