Day Six of our Jericho walk is coming in fierce. The tension of the quiet is palpable. The forward motion of our steps has become a deafening sound in the ear of the enemy as he has discovered his time is rapidly winding down. As we take our final laps around the wall, we must remain uncompromising.
Uncompromising: Showing an unwillingness to make concessions to others, especially by changing one’s ways or opinions.
We must remain uncompromising in our victory mindset, value system, and faithfulness to God. If we are to find victory and hold onto it, then we must be uncompromising. So many times in scripture we read of God telling His people that when they conquer a land they should not make treaties with their enemies. They shouldn’t marry the women or even keep their livestock. They were to remain separate, even as they came to occupy the land. We must do the same. As we take this new territory and walk in the increased blessings of heaven, we must remain uncompromising about who we are and Whose we are.
We belong to God, this in and of itself will always cause us to stick out in one way or another…but I wonder when did that start being a bad thing? Long ago it was an honor. Now everyone seems hell bent on being relevant or hidden or extremely non-threatening. Sorry friends, but the gospel is a threat…it threatens to transform our lives and sets us apart. It was designed to do so. We are called to be set apart. That’s part of what draws unbelievers to God. When they see us quietly living our different lifestyle and being at peace in all circumstances, they are curious. When they see us walking in the favor of God, they become more curious. When they see us loving our neighbor, whether our neighbor loves us or not, it draws them to the cross. How can we not admit this? It’s our differences that draw them to salvation, and isn’t that the purpose of it all? That none may perish, but all have eternal life.
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
God desires that all would be saved, so what about your life sets you apart?
Wow, I felt the wall shaking with that statement. Will you allow God to set you apart? This is a ground-breaking question. This is the question of your lifetime. Is God worthy enough to you that you would live a life set apart? Or is pride your idol? Man, I can feel the foundation shaking. I had no idea I would be asking these questions today. But I can feel them shaking me internally, as I am also forced to answer them too. We aren’t just facing being different to unbelievers. Every time I have been content to live a “different” life than the world, I’m always shocked at how many believers can’t stand it. Are you prepared to be mocked, cast aside, and even rebuked by those who call themselves children of God? No matter the cost, will you choose to follow Jesus?
I will.
I choose You, God…now and forever.
I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back. No turning back. Though none go with me, still I will follow. No turning back. The cross before me, the world behind me. No turning back. And the watchtowers around this Jericho wall are beginning to crumble as my eyes are fixed on Jesus. Can you see Him too? His radiant glory just filled my eyes. All I can see is the Light around me, and in this Light, I hear a pregnant silence and feel so much peace that I cannot explain it. Heaven is touching earth in this moment.
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:9-13
365 Days in the Presence 