Monday, September 20, 2010

Listen, listen

My sister, Rachel and her husband Josh came over Saturday night to watch a little college football with us. We were kind of reminiscing about being at home with my dad when we were younger.  It is so funny to think about those times. I remember when he would be watching television, his favorite phrase was "Listen, listen." He would say this, oh I don't know, maybe every five minutes. In fact he said listen so much,  that I am not sure he heard any of what he was watching because of his own talking. We were sort of a loud family. Well, maybe we still are...this reminiscence was brought on by Jamie getting frustrated over our talking. Anyhow...

Do you ever feel like God is telling you to listen? Are there ever times in your life where He is trying to speak to you and you miss it the first time and even the second time. I have had that experience today. I am going to tell you a story and it may take a bit, but just hang on.  I promise there is a point in here somewhere.

In our six o'clock, Sunday night bible study at church we are going through Isaiah. My dad is actually leading the study. He is doing a great job, but I will tell you that is a tough book of the bible. Well last night we were studying chapter 60 and for some reason, Isaiah 60:19 really stood out to me. I did not think much of it at the time. Here is what that verse says.
19The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.
This verse is prophecy of what will be in the millennial kingdom.
Like I said, I did not think much about why this stood out to me. We came home, ate dinner, got everyone settle for the night and went to bed. Then today we were working in our science book during our last lesson of the day and well, there it was again. We are studying the sun and the brightness of the sun. Our lesson went on to display this verse and another one I will share in a little bit. It explained that as bright as the sun is, the Son is even brighter and that there would be a day that we would rely on the Son for our light.
Now, this is where it gets really interesting. Our lesson also referenced Exodus 33-34. Here are portions of  that passage.
Chapter 33
18And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.
19And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
20And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
21And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:
22And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and I'll cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
23And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
Chapter 34
29And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.
30And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.
31And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them.
32And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him in mount Sinai.
33And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.
34But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he took the vail off, until he came out. And he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded.
35And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him.
This passage takes place when Moses went up into the mount for God to give him the commandments. Can you imagine what Moses and other thought when his face was glowing from having seen God from behind? I asked my boys this question during our lesson today and they really could not imagine it.
Imagine my surprise when I was staring at these verses again after having heard them last night. I thought alright Lord, "What are you telling me?"
Then if that is not loud enough, I logged on to Cynthia's blog today and she was talking about when she found out her sweet Olivia had a fatal diagnosis and how several people commented to her and others that she still was able to be a bright light and shine. I immediately came back to what God had been showing me today.
Alrighty Lord, Whatcha got for me??? What are you trying to show me. Honestly, I still am not sure why in less than 24 hours God has shown me this same thing three times, but I know I have to listen.  I know He will make Himself known. I know without any doubt that He will fill in the blanks. I am not particularly good at being patient, but I know I need to be still and listen this time.   
Tomorrow is the seven month mark for my sweet Eli. Maybe somehow this message is timely in that manner.  I just do not know. I do know that seven months has both taken me further from my baby boy and brought me closer yet still. With each day that passes, I am one day closer to holding him again. I also know the the last few weeks here have been some very difficult weeks for us. God is working, of that I am sure. So, with that said, I will just rely on faith and allow God to show me His wonders in His time.
Much love,

10 comments:

  1. Thinking of you today as you remember your sweet Eli. You've made it through seven months. Your comment about this point taking your further from him, yet bringing you closer really struck me. It's so true, I just never thought about it quite that way.

    God is working, my friend. I'm sure of that as well. And if you keep listening, He will bless you beyond words.

    Much love to you,
    Kim

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  2. That's been happening for me in the last week or so....Have Thine Own Way keeps going off in big lights and bells and whistles all over the place...wake up singing it at 4 am. Drive by a church I NEVER drive by later that morning and on their marquis? Have Thine Own Way.

    Another blogger talking about the Potter and the Clay.

    So I keep asking the same thing--what's the Way? What's the will? How am I to be molded? Isn't it crazy and amazing at the same time?

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  3. I'm not always that great at listening to the small still voice of God. Will be thinking of you for Eli's 7 months.

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  4. Thinking of you and your family on this 7 month mark

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  5. I definitely think God is telling us things if we take a moment to "listen, listen" as you said. I have always been told God gave us two ears and one mouth so that we could listen more than talk. I love this amazing post! *hugs*

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  6. Thinking of you on this seven month mark.

    Okay, I love how God reveals Himself through Scriptures. And I love how He does it in His own timing (Okay, sometimes I do=) ). As Kim commented, God is working...I can't wait to 'hear' what He is doing in your life...

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  7. Thinking of you... Please visit my blog as I have awarded "Eli's Valley" with an award.

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  8. I gave you one lovely blog award! love to you and your family

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  9. Thank you for this beautiful reminder to listen when the Lord speaks...to look for His light.

    I just re-read the beginning of Eli's story...and it stirs up so many of my own memories of the time we spent with our Thomas.

    Love and continued prayers for your beautiful family...

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  10. Decided to feature you on Walking With You this week...

    Love to you...

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