He Has Gone Before You

2 days ago

2 min read

We pause for a bit to settle and centre ourselves as we are reminded of where we are and where we have been this week.

We began this week affirming our commitment to follow Jesus, wherever He leads. We used these words from a hymn, by E. W. Blandly.

Where He leads me I will follow,

I’ll go with Him, with Him, all the way.

The commitment was made and we earnestly and sincerely meant all we professed with our lips and lives, about following Jesus where He leads. We were given a settling and most vivid example of new converts who followed Jesus in a most open and dramatic manner. They were the magicians, the sorcerers of Ephesus, who believed in Jesus under Paul’s preaching. In a united response, they showed in their actions, how far they would follow Jesus’ lead.

He had led them to make a fire in Ephesus as never before made, a fire of obedience, to burn up the dross of their evil against God. And they obeyed, unashamed of this public calling.

He had led them to burn every demonic resource – potions, books, chants and more – and throw them into the fire. And they obeyed willingly and joyfully, without regrets.

He had led them to bring all their stuff, holding back nothing, regardless of how important or expensive it might have been. Indeed, even the most expensive items, things which could have been sold for a healthy sum, were destroyed in the burning fire. And they obeyed willingly, without questioning or murmuring.

He had led them to release everything of their magic to the fire, counting all as evil. There was nothing they wanted to hold on to for sentimental or other reasons. They never let the fire waste, for they threw everything in. And they obeyed completely, emptying themselves of all evil and to receive all good.

Having been refreshed, we move on to some other believers who all made a public fire, in another way, burning up all that was not of God. Note how the Spirit works and the power He has on new and old converts. Remember, the magicians or sorcerers in Ephesus are all new in their born-again lives. They are new-borns in the Spirit. Yet, we note how they had to die to all of their former selves and habits, and all that belonged to it, even at that early age. Why is this the case? It is precisely because, as a convert to Jesus, one must follow Him, wherever He leads.

Contrast what is happening with older converts. In yesterday’s meditation mention was made of Peter, along with six other believers, who were told by the Spirit to accompany Gentiles on a private mission to a Gentile family. When we are shown this in similar light to the magicians, we have no choice but to bow before our God, who will not be bound by anything and anyone. How can the Creator be dictated to by the created? How can the clay say to the potter, not this way?

Lord, please forgive our ignorance and folly! Amen!

We hasten on tomorrow, to view, with Spiritual light, more of those older converts.