Month: August 2010

Joash’s Arrow

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“Joash’s Arrow” by Kirk Hunt

 

And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king’s hands. And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD’S deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them.

2 Kings 13:17 KJV

 

Symbols carry power. They communicate in vivid images and clear simplicity the most difficult of ideas. They help us to have or hold faith. Shooting an arrow out of a preacher’s window? Pure symbolism.

 

Joash (aka Jehoash) faced a powerful foreign power, with a weak, depleted military in Judah. Elisha, aged and sick, struggled to encourage the king to have faith in God’s power. The king didn’t completely grasp the things of God, but he understood war bows.

 

In order to teach someone to shoot a bow and arrow, it is inevitable that the teacher will put hands on the student’s hands, not the bow. Joash understood the significance of Elisha’s hands on his. The king’s arrow represented new and fresh empowerment from God against the Syrian army.

 

Joash’s arrow represents the symbols that God has (already) set in your life. Symbols strengthen your faith. Symbols point you, in vivid images and clear simplicity, to the deep things of God.

 

Think : Symbols point to God and His power.

 

Pray: “Lord, help me to have faith in You.”

 

 

Copyright © August 2010, Kirk Hunt

Pain In The Offering

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“Pain In The Offering” by Kirk Hunt

 

And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

2 Samuel 24:24 KJV

Please read all of 2 Samuel 24

 

Araunah tried to give away his land, livestock and equipment. David carefully wrote out the bill of sale and paid the full price for everything. David offered his sacrifice and God accepted it. In a moment, David’s tears changed from sorrow to joy.

 

The pain in David’s offering was not the money he paid. David paid a substantial financial sum for Araunah’s farm, but cash wasn’t a problem. David’s hurt came in facing his own error and sin. Repentance cost the most in David’s sacrifice.

 

Our offerings to God ought to cost us something. Often, we are blessed to give from the abundance of God’s blessings. Too often, our offerings require that we dig into our souls and surrender things we’re rather keep: lazy comforts, arrogant self-righteousness, willful disobedience.

 

When we sacrifice those deeply held things, it hurts. When there is pain in the offering, that means you are being open and serious with God and yourself. In the long run, the hot tears and burning heart are a good thing.

 

Think : God wants a real sacrifice from me.

 

Pray: “Lord, help me to sacrifice those things that keep me from You.”

 

 

Copyright © August 2010, Kirk Hunt

In Heavenly Places

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“In Heavenly Places” by Kirk Hunt

 

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalms 91:1 KJV

 

It’s been one of those days at work. I sigh and try to focus on my next task. Suddenly, even simple concentration seems beyond me.

 

“Help Lord.” It is the cry of a son to his father. I am a limited man appealing to an infinite God. I dare to ask.

 

In the blink of an eye, everything changes. The cut-rate carpet becomes a gold-plated floor. The harsh florescent light transforms to the warm glow of the Menorah. In my heart and mind I am now at the Mercy Seat and in the presence of God.

 

For a time, I just breathe. His grace and mercy is a rare atmosphere. His provision and care is a rich incense.

 

I stop short of speaking my complaints and questions. Instead, I pour out my gratitude and adoration. My presence in this place of refuge and restoration is solution enough.

 

He draws close. His power is obvious. His sovereignty absolute. His love for me without question.

 

All too soon, I’m back in the workplace. My brief journey to God’s secret place reminds me I live under God’s influence. I dwell in His domain and under His power. It shall be well.

 

Think : No matter where I sit, I live in God’s power and influence.

 

Pray: “Lord, help me dwell in the secret place of Your power and influence.”

 

 

Copyright © August 2010, Kirk Hunt

Love God

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“Love God” by Kirk Hunt



 

We love him, because he first loved us.

1 John 4:19 KJV

 

On the Cross, Jesus gave the final atonement for sin. His sacrifice tore the Veil of Separation. Jesus repaired the rift that separated sinful man from Holy God.

 

What motivated all of this sacrifice and transformation? Love. We could not go to God, so He came to us. It is that simple. It is that easy.

 

His love is complete. His love is pure. His love is perfect.

 

No matter where you are today. No matter what happened yesterday. No matter what comes tomorrow.

 

God loves you. Completely. Purely. Perfectly.

 

Come close to Him. Feel the fond peace of His heart. Rest in the tender safety of His arms.

 

You can not earn His love, but He gives it all the same. You can never deserve His love, but He delights in you anyway. All you need to do is respond.

 

Your love might be incomplete. Your love may be impure. Your love could be imperfect.

 

He knows how you are. Still, He loves you. His arms are stretched out to the worst of sinners. His arms and heart are open even to you. It is that simple. It is that easy.

 

God loves you. Don’t ask. Don’t tell. Just love Him back.

 

Think : God loves me.

 

Pray: “Lord, I accept Your love for me.”

 

 

Copyright © August 2010, Kirk Hunt