"...You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? 11 I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?" (John 3:10-12).
This morning I was continuing my study of John and found that this above passage struck me in a new way. Jesus is speaking to one of the head Pharisees about what it means to be born again, and still the Pharisee doesn't understand. Though he was brought up with a knowledge of the Word and the prophecies in which Jesus fulfilled, still he didn't get it or understand, or perhaps didn't readily accept it. I was convicted of the fact that we so often forget what God has said He would do or has done. The Pharisee didn't understand that prophecy had been fulfilled through Jesus and the Spirit, even though it should've been clear to him as it was right in front of his eyes.
Our God is incredibly big. All that we have seen is just a sliver of what He will do. And still we forget that. I know I do. And when the time comes that God speaks of big things and begins to fulfill them, it's like I am hesistant to believe to some degree because it either is past my level of present comprehension or it seems too good to be true. There is no reason for me not to believe that these things could come into fruition. God has never not been fully Himself in every aspect. God is always bigger than any box that I may currently try to keep Him in. I should always understand that my God will be fully Himself in every way...and that is incredible!
The things that God speaks come to fruition if we are willing to lay down ourselves and what we think best, possible, or able to do. All of those will surely be surpassed. Just as God spoke to Joshua numerous times to "be strong and courageous," so those commands came into fruition as he later commands it of his people. God is surely faithful in preparation for what He wishes to bring about and do, and His influence extends far beyond one man. The result of God speaking to Joshua influenced all the men of Israel, as he passed on what God had spoken to his men, and the result of that affected entire Kingdoms, and then onward to the entire world and all time. I'm amazed that it only took the obedience of one man to heed the words God spoke to affect an infinite amount of people and purposes. Things that seem impassable God does command, but He clears the way. Our God fights for us, and is with us wherever we go.
May we be willing to heed what He speaks to us, trusting that it will come about in full fruition. God speaks what we see and what we know.
"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:6-9).
"Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous." (Joshua 10:25).
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