DON'T GO THE SAME WAY YOU CAME
"But when the people of the land come before the LORD on the appointed feast days, whoever enters by way of the north gate to worship shall go out by way of the south gate; and whoever enters by way of the south gate shall go out by way of the north gate. He shall not return by way of the gate through which he came, but shall go out through the opposite gate." - Ezekiel 46:9
Men who are perverse shouldn't come to worship and leave the same way. The introductory scripture is just symbolic to what is expected of us when we worship. If a man comes with a heart of stone, he should leave with a heart of flesh, convicted and remorse of his sinful life. Ministers must ensure that those who come to worship must leave the opposite way.
Several times carnal men have entered through the church gate and they returned more carnal than they were, curious minds have entered through the gates of the church only to return more skeptical than they ever were. On that day when the worst of sinners decides to enter the church is the same day the church decides to hold 'talent hunt'; that very day when the salvation message is so needed is the day some decide to go on a 'break'.
Even if you are saved, you should leave the worship service in a better way than you came. The worship service is suppose to be a place where people are most reformed, it is meant to be a place where hearts are bowed in surrender and chains broken. If one enter by the gate of captivity, they should leave by the gates of freemen. We cannot be careless about this very important phenomenon, the minister must ensure on his knees that this worship arrangement is strictly adhered to.
This article covers other context in this same topic, and we will do well to keep to heart the very salient and profound message that is brought to us today. Let the person who has ears hear today!
THE SAME WAY TO EGYPT
"Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, 'Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt." - Exo 13:17
Few years ago, one of my students in the Sunday school posed this very tricky question to me; 'Sir if the red sea was a problem, what way did the children of Israel pass in the first place to Egypt'.
The truth is that God knows the way through the wilderness, all you have to do is to follow, if you intend using the same route you came to salvation to enter into your rest or promise, there would be compromise and you may just not get to the finish line.
So many in the faith today want to use their traditions in reaching God, they want to worship Jehovah the same way they worshipped idols, they want to give to Him like they gave to idols; they stretch forth hands like the witch doctors would ask them to, they use old patterns to want to reach their destination. That may just be putting new wine in an old wineskin.
Though there may appear red seas and mountains, though there may be walls and drought on the way, and at such points you may desire the former route than this rough road; you must know that it is in your best interest you go through. Persecutions will come, trials may seem unending, you may even wish to be like those who have compromised yet seem like they have God; but know this; you must not go through the same way you came.
"And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and to test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not." - Deut 8:2
All through the wilderness, while the sun was scorching and cold was freezing, the Lord was their sustenance for forty good years, He provided them manna and was never failing in directing them. In all these years, it was a test the Lord took them through; He wanted to know whether their trust will be placed on Him totally, all through the persecutions and war - the Lord was there, yet many didn't believe through it all.
The kingdom life is not without its own perils and danger, but the Christian must understand that these things are there for the building of our faith. Victory is sure for them that stick with the Master through it all; He takes us through it but He said 'be of good cheer, I have overcome'. It is possible that you're looking at that former route and thinking whether to return or not to return, let it be known that this is the way to walk.
And when they came to the bank of the red sea, they couldn't go further, behind them was the Egyptians, at this point, there was no returning; this is the exact place the Lord wants to bring us; where the path of our old will be closed forever, where it would become impossible to go back. This path is where we cast of all of our old self, and drown all of its memory in the red sea. That's the way to go friend, that's the way He chooses!
BE LIKE THE WISE MEN
"Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way." - Matt 2:12
It is necessary for you to take clear instructions on the way to go and the way to return; it is not compulsory that you return the same route you came from; the Lord may have other assignments for you, there may yet be a conspiracy from the path by which you came from. Do not always insist on going on that way, though He will bring you back safely yet you must hear clearly where He needs you to take.
I have discovered that the servant of God must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit when he or she first receives the message and even after delivering the message or ministration. There could be a conspiracy in the familiar path you took, it will be profitable if you'd listen and don't return the same way you came.
Your mission may be continuous, there could be people on the new way the Lord is asking you to take. While the wise men were going to locate Jesus, they passed by Herod to deliver the Good news; if He didn't receive it well the first time, there was no point going back again. The man had other plans. After Phillip had preached to the Ethiopian eunuch, the spirit of the Lord caught him from the road of Gaza to Azotus, just so that he might preach the gospel there; after you have completed that assignment, you must ask again, where to go through.
"For so it was commanded me by the word of the LORD, saying, 'You shall not eat bread nor drink water, nor return by the same way you came. So he went another way and did not return by the way he came to Bethel.'" - 1Kings 13:9-10
Though this young man of God appeared to have committed himself to obeying the Lord's orders; an old prophet came and told him to return with him to the house to eat and drink; this young man of God was persuaded because this was a 'veteran in the ministry'; of course God didn't excuse the young prophet; he was eaten by a lion just on his way back.
Even the Apostle Paul was restrained by the Spirit from preaching the word to Asia at a time, there would be restrains, there would be clear cut instructions on where and how we go about our mission; if He says don't return that way - please don't. Be wise enough to escape the conspiracy of the wicked against your ministry.
HEAR THE VOICE BEHIND
"Your ears shall ear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left." - Isaiah 30:21
Just because the route isn't familiar doesn't make it wrong, just because you're the only one on that narrow road doesn't make it the wrong way; in fact, the narrow way where few have trod is the way to go. What is most important is the leading and not the familiarity of the way. When the Lord takes us on a journey, the destination may be sure; but the route may be unfamiliar; but let Him lead all the same.
If you wait to be sure of the route before taking off on assignments you may never move. Nothing is surer than His leading... If He leads you, He will protect and provide.
The Lord constantly speaks to the one He guides, if you refuse to be attentive to the Word during worship or during assignments; you may just be the same or be running errands at your own risk; to harken is better than fat of rams.
The way you take in fulfilling the assignment is as important as the assignment itself; as far as God is concerned, we are not left to ourselves to follow the way to the end-point; if you fulfil an assignment or mission by your own doing without following the paths He laid out; your feat no matter how great it is; is for nothing. You may think it is 'wisdom'; the result may even appear great; yet they may just be rubbish before the Lord.
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not drown you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you." - Isaiah 43:2
There's no better insurance for the way than the voice we heard, there is no greater place to gain confidence than from the one who commanded. If He leads you through a rough path, He will take responsibility for your safety even in the midst of turmoil. Look beyond what seem right to you; it may just lead to the ways of death. You can't cut your ministry abruptly just because you lost confidence in the voice of God.
How far have you gone?
What way have you taken?
How much time have you spent doing the right thing in the wrong way? The answers to the questions may be the main obstruction to your 'turning' from the wrong path. You may feel you have gone too far from where you began; yet for you to be commended by God, you must make a u-turn now before it's too late. Hear this voice now calling you to turn.
CONCLUSION:
Don't go to a worship place and return the same way; don't use old tricks to live the Christ life, be wise to take the way He tells you. The way is as important as fulfilling the assignment.
God bless you and I love you
Akinsuroju Femi
© The Fundamentals
Men who are perverse shouldn't come to worship and leave the same way. The introductory scripture is just symbolic to what is expected of us when we worship. If a man comes with a heart of stone, he should leave with a heart of flesh, convicted and remorse of his sinful life. Ministers must ensure that those who come to worship must leave the opposite way.
Several times carnal men have entered through the church gate and they returned more carnal than they were, curious minds have entered through the gates of the church only to return more skeptical than they ever were. On that day when the worst of sinners decides to enter the church is the same day the church decides to hold 'talent hunt'; that very day when the salvation message is so needed is the day some decide to go on a 'break'.
Even if you are saved, you should leave the worship service in a better way than you came. The worship service is suppose to be a place where people are most reformed, it is meant to be a place where hearts are bowed in surrender and chains broken. If one enter by the gate of captivity, they should leave by the gates of freemen. We cannot be careless about this very important phenomenon, the minister must ensure on his knees that this worship arrangement is strictly adhered to.
This article covers other context in this same topic, and we will do well to keep to heart the very salient and profound message that is brought to us today. Let the person who has ears hear today!
THE SAME WAY TO EGYPT
"Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, 'Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt." - Exo 13:17
Few years ago, one of my students in the Sunday school posed this very tricky question to me; 'Sir if the red sea was a problem, what way did the children of Israel pass in the first place to Egypt'.
The truth is that God knows the way through the wilderness, all you have to do is to follow, if you intend using the same route you came to salvation to enter into your rest or promise, there would be compromise and you may just not get to the finish line.
So many in the faith today want to use their traditions in reaching God, they want to worship Jehovah the same way they worshipped idols, they want to give to Him like they gave to idols; they stretch forth hands like the witch doctors would ask them to, they use old patterns to want to reach their destination. That may just be putting new wine in an old wineskin.
Though there may appear red seas and mountains, though there may be walls and drought on the way, and at such points you may desire the former route than this rough road; you must know that it is in your best interest you go through. Persecutions will come, trials may seem unending, you may even wish to be like those who have compromised yet seem like they have God; but know this; you must not go through the same way you came.
"And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and to test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not." - Deut 8:2
All through the wilderness, while the sun was scorching and cold was freezing, the Lord was their sustenance for forty good years, He provided them manna and was never failing in directing them. In all these years, it was a test the Lord took them through; He wanted to know whether their trust will be placed on Him totally, all through the persecutions and war - the Lord was there, yet many didn't believe through it all.
The kingdom life is not without its own perils and danger, but the Christian must understand that these things are there for the building of our faith. Victory is sure for them that stick with the Master through it all; He takes us through it but He said 'be of good cheer, I have overcome'. It is possible that you're looking at that former route and thinking whether to return or not to return, let it be known that this is the way to walk.
And when they came to the bank of the red sea, they couldn't go further, behind them was the Egyptians, at this point, there was no returning; this is the exact place the Lord wants to bring us; where the path of our old will be closed forever, where it would become impossible to go back. This path is where we cast of all of our old self, and drown all of its memory in the red sea. That's the way to go friend, that's the way He chooses!
BE LIKE THE WISE MEN
"Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way." - Matt 2:12
It is necessary for you to take clear instructions on the way to go and the way to return; it is not compulsory that you return the same route you came from; the Lord may have other assignments for you, there may yet be a conspiracy from the path by which you came from. Do not always insist on going on that way, though He will bring you back safely yet you must hear clearly where He needs you to take.
I have discovered that the servant of God must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit when he or she first receives the message and even after delivering the message or ministration. There could be a conspiracy in the familiar path you took, it will be profitable if you'd listen and don't return the same way you came.
Your mission may be continuous, there could be people on the new way the Lord is asking you to take. While the wise men were going to locate Jesus, they passed by Herod to deliver the Good news; if He didn't receive it well the first time, there was no point going back again. The man had other plans. After Phillip had preached to the Ethiopian eunuch, the spirit of the Lord caught him from the road of Gaza to Azotus, just so that he might preach the gospel there; after you have completed that assignment, you must ask again, where to go through.
"For so it was commanded me by the word of the LORD, saying, 'You shall not eat bread nor drink water, nor return by the same way you came. So he went another way and did not return by the way he came to Bethel.'" - 1Kings 13:9-10
Though this young man of God appeared to have committed himself to obeying the Lord's orders; an old prophet came and told him to return with him to the house to eat and drink; this young man of God was persuaded because this was a 'veteran in the ministry'; of course God didn't excuse the young prophet; he was eaten by a lion just on his way back.
Even the Apostle Paul was restrained by the Spirit from preaching the word to Asia at a time, there would be restrains, there would be clear cut instructions on where and how we go about our mission; if He says don't return that way - please don't. Be wise enough to escape the conspiracy of the wicked against your ministry.
HEAR THE VOICE BEHIND
"Your ears shall ear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left." - Isaiah 30:21
Just because the route isn't familiar doesn't make it wrong, just because you're the only one on that narrow road doesn't make it the wrong way; in fact, the narrow way where few have trod is the way to go. What is most important is the leading and not the familiarity of the way. When the Lord takes us on a journey, the destination may be sure; but the route may be unfamiliar; but let Him lead all the same.
If you wait to be sure of the route before taking off on assignments you may never move. Nothing is surer than His leading... If He leads you, He will protect and provide.
The Lord constantly speaks to the one He guides, if you refuse to be attentive to the Word during worship or during assignments; you may just be the same or be running errands at your own risk; to harken is better than fat of rams.
The way you take in fulfilling the assignment is as important as the assignment itself; as far as God is concerned, we are not left to ourselves to follow the way to the end-point; if you fulfil an assignment or mission by your own doing without following the paths He laid out; your feat no matter how great it is; is for nothing. You may think it is 'wisdom'; the result may even appear great; yet they may just be rubbish before the Lord.
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not drown you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you." - Isaiah 43:2
There's no better insurance for the way than the voice we heard, there is no greater place to gain confidence than from the one who commanded. If He leads you through a rough path, He will take responsibility for your safety even in the midst of turmoil. Look beyond what seem right to you; it may just lead to the ways of death. You can't cut your ministry abruptly just because you lost confidence in the voice of God.
How far have you gone?
What way have you taken?
How much time have you spent doing the right thing in the wrong way? The answers to the questions may be the main obstruction to your 'turning' from the wrong path. You may feel you have gone too far from where you began; yet for you to be commended by God, you must make a u-turn now before it's too late. Hear this voice now calling you to turn.
CONCLUSION:
Don't go to a worship place and return the same way; don't use old tricks to live the Christ life, be wise to take the way He tells you. The way is as important as fulfilling the assignment.
God bless you and I love you
Akinsuroju Femi
© The Fundamentals
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