“NAVIGATING THE RIVER” by Roger Roth Sr.
In leading a church or in following God, as in the biblical example, it is like navigating a river. We need to learn to let the river, like the Spirit, lead and carry us to our destination. There are twists and turns and rapids and whirlpools and long stretches of smooth waters. But there is a destination and all the episodes of that river are full of His purpose and the wonder. What lays around the next bend in the Spirit is the mystery for Kings to work out.
“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.” ~PR 25:2
“I will build My Church.” It is His not ours. He is the Father, that means it is by His authority, as He desires for His purposes. If we’ve learned the walk of faith then we see that God being a Father only does what is good and right for His children. They may not always agree with His directions or His methods but those matured by faith understand that God is always for us. Regardless of the struggle or the victory, regardless of the pain or reward, they can shout that God is for me!
The biblical pattern is that God always calls a few (remnant) to lead the many. Whether by Noah and his small family to replenish the earth. Whether by Moses and Aaron to lead Israel out of bondage. Whether by Gideon and the 300 to deliver Israel. Whether by 12 flawed commoners to bring forth His mighty church. Whether by one reformed Pharisee to reach the gentiles, God uses the few to deliver the many.
Many good Christians, perhaps including ourselves at times, are trying to swim against the flow. They still haven’t risen above the earthly level. When you see yourself through the eyes of the law When you can’t find it within yourself to love yourself. When you can’t receive the full measure of love that comes from Him alone you in your immaturity you may reach out to blame others for your lack. You fear judgment and may feel everyone is judging you. You try to control your shaky world by building walls. Worst of all you become willing to exchange love, for group acceptance.
It seems most seek their security and identity within a group, whether it is a gang, a sports team, a political party, a church or an identity class. Only those who know and have confidence in Jesus are truly free. Only he who the Son sets free are free. As the prophet said, “multitudes in the valley of decision.” Each forging his or her own path but the Father, all wise and patient, leading each sheep by His own plan and in His full wisdom, sifting the hearts of all mankind.
To those who find themselves in a turbulent eddy of confusion, He says “come unto Me.” To those dismayed at the oppositions of life He says, “fear not little flock for it is the Fathers desire to give you the Kingdom.” Our faith is rooted in this, that He is faithful and able to deliver to the utmost.
Therefore, we resolve ourselves to rest as He does His work and rejoice as we see Him bring all His purposes to pass. He either is or is not doing a great work in the earth.
So, if we are wise, we choose to remain in the ship with Him as we ride out the storms until, as in our day, He teaches us to rise above, to walk on the turbulent waters and to say, “peace be still.”
For all the chaos and warfare and depravity in the World, we are seeing the great moving of His Spirit upon the earth to bring the light of Jesus. The Christmas season, if it tells us anything, is that Jesus is ready to be born in any willing heart.
This is the great day of His appearing. Let us be content and “Let the whole earth rejoice!!!”
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Roger Roth Sr. is a ministry son of Dr. Mark Hanby. Together with his wife Karen, they are the set ministry of a local church in Northeastern Wisconsin, and oversee the Bloodline Network Newsletter. They consider it an honor to work with Dr. Hanby for many years, helping to oversee the ministry of Papa Mark’s extended family—”The Father’s Heart.”
Any questions or comments please contact them at rogerandkaren@live.com
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