Following God Into the Wilderness

Introduction

This is the second book and follows the completion of the book, “Jesus Said, Come Follow Me.” The content is much the same only presented from a different view or perspective. After all the gospel is simple and not all that complicated. Everything God does has meaning and purpose. The Lord’s purpose for man right now is reconciliation to Himself (after the fall in Eden) and to thereby reap an acceptable harvest from the earth. God’s will is to put down the devil’s rebellion and those who are participant, and to restore all things back under His authority in a way that is keeping with the Lord’s righteous character. The entire Bible is written to that end. God requires that you serve Him with all your heart, mind, soul and strength (Mk 12:30 , Lk 10:27 ). This means that you surrender your life in love and total obedience to God’s will. God also requires that you demonstrate this nature of love (sacrifice for another) to your neighbor as well (Mk 12:31, Lk 10:27). This is very simple and straight forward. What complicates things is that in order to do this you must die to self. Self wants to follow its way (path) and love its lusts and desires foremost (heart, mind, soul and strength) – self (the flesh) seeks its own and will sacrifice whatever to obtain it. You must go against the strong self will of the flesh (that which opposes God’s purposes). Cumulatively (others living for self), you stand against a fallen world (only through Christ you stand). Man always considers that his partial obedience and mixed loyalties (to God, self and the world) are equivalent to surrender to God. The issue is yielding and devotion to God. Many refuse to yield and do what is required – the froward. These are wicked, stubborn, stiff-necked, obstinate, pertinacious, headstrong, double-minded, hypocritical, impenitent, impudent, rebellious toward God, and will not yield to the Lord’s working in them to conform them to His nature and expectations. The Lord will take one as far as they are willing to go. You cannot be too zealous, fanatical, faithful, obedient and trusting toward God. There are no limits on righteousness and holiness. The Lord is looking for hearts that are stayed upon Him. God desires the one who will stand for Him in the midst of those who will not. Standing against the crowd will garner (get, gain, earn, procure) reproach and suffering. Suffering for Christ’s name sake says more than words (mere profession) could ever convey (Lk 6:22 ).

What is the need for a second book? The purpose of this book is to reveal how remarkably consistent God is in dealing with man and the Lord’s unchanging expectations of man since the creation. The key words for all of creation are “love” and “obedience.” This book will examine God’s dealings with the children of Israel in delivering them from the land of Egypt, bringing them through the wilderness, the difficulties encountered, and then on into the Promised Land. These events will be related to the incredible similarities (by God’s design) that were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. There is a definite foreshadowing of future events in Christ throughout God’s dealings with the children of Israel. We will understand that nothing is changed in God’s original requirement that man approach Him through faith. This book will show that only by yielding to God in love and obedience to His commands will one be considered one of God’s peculiar people and enter into the Promised Land (eternity with God). Obedience (an essential element of faith) brings one into the Promised Land and also sustains one there. God (in the garden of Eden) revealed the fate of all the disobedient, “Thou shalt surely die (Gen 2:17),” and nothing has changed. God’s Word reverberates (resounds) throughout the ages, across countless eons and time itself, and is eternally unchanging, forever sealed – woe to all the disobedient and rebellious. Great joy to those who willingly lay down their lives before the Great King!

The things written within this book were placed heavily upon the author’s heart through intensely seeking the Lord daily, study of God’s Word, surrender to the Lord’s will and walking as led by the Spirit daily (applying the Word). The author has no certain ability nor wisdom, and true understanding is only gained through sincere surrender to the Lord. This is not a work of the author’s opinion or sentiment, but unfolded from the scripture. We cannot come forth in our knowledge and words for they are fleshly and flawed. There was much travail in writing this book, meaning difficulty for self and the flesh. God brings us through difficult travail such that “Life” may spring forth. The Words written herein will bring life – for they are not my own, but of the One who sent me. The author is just being the watchman that God has called him to be (Ez 33:7). The watchman is sounding the alarm for those caught up in their own way and following their own path. You must not stray from the very narrow way in following your Lord. There is drought, starvation (from lack of those Words which proceedeth from the mouth of God), scorpions, serpents and wolves (in sheep’s clothing) off of the narrow path. Our joy must be in the Lord for He is our strength (Neh 8:10). This means that your life and source of pleasure (enjoyment, delight) is found in the relationship that develops by following Christ (Col 3:4). The source of your joy must never be found in self or the world.

This book is intended to encourage you (not as the world does, Jn 14:27) in your walk with the Lord (although your flesh will be offended) and to draw you to Him. If your flesh is not offended by what is written herein, then the author has failed to properly convey this Word of the Lord. This book is further intended to inspire you (in the spirit) to begin to consistently and persistently read the Word of God (Bible) and certainly not take away from that. Christ came to lead all men to God, yet His Words were usually offensive to the flesh and thus He often spoke in parables (see Chapter Five for an explanation why). Once Jesus spoke such gracious Words in a synagogue that all wondered. The people then began to question Christ’s authenticity because He was familiar to them – Joseph’s son (Lk 4:22). Jesus elaborated (Lk 4:24-27) and when they heard these things, they were filled with wrath and led Him to the brow of the hill to cast Him down headlong (Lk 4:28-30). On another occasion, Christ revealed some hard truths (for the flesh) and many of His followers were offended (Jn 6:60) and followed Jesus no more (Jn 6:66). Should any man who speaks God’s truth expect any different (1 Jn 3:13)? Were any of God’s prophets ever received with joy? The author does not hold back or suppress God’s Word, but writes it as was given. Luke 10:16, “He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me (also 1 Thess 4:8, 1 Jn 4:5-6).” Discern dear reader (through prayer, Word and Spirit) if these things be not so. Jesus said: John 13:20, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.” Although this book is intended to encourage and draw you closer to God there are some very hard truths discussed herein. You alone will have to decide if your hope is found in the Lord or your opinion of the Lord. The author strongly encourages you to examine your heart as you read, but cautions you to base that examination on God’s Word and not your own (opinions, thoughts, sentiments, what someone said, etc.). When you stand before the Lord at Judgment, you will be judged based upon Christ’s Word and not your own (Jn 12:48). All those “high things” (opinions, selfish ways, sentiments, thoughts, etc.) that have exalted themselves above the Lord (the thieves and robbers of Christ’s glory, Jn 10:8) will be condemned on that day.

The author does not seek his own glory, but rather to give glory to the God who sent him (and put the Words in my heart). This book is offered freely. You are encouraged to freely give it to others (without cost). The contents of the book have undergone considerable prayer, fasting, effort, struggle and have been walked out. There is no permission given to change the contents in any way. The author’s hope is that Christ be formed in you, the reader (Gal 4:19). One life changed will be worth all efforts. There is no doubt that the author has been profoundly affected by the walk with Christ in developing this book and this alone is priceless. However, the greater joy is to share life with others – to give love (great sacrifices for others). This is not a work for those living in the flesh. Those sincerely seeking God will be the only ones that truly appreciate and recognize (perceive) the treasure buried within. The Lord my God hath triumphed over me – may it ever be so.

This is a work of faith and is not intended to appeal to the flesh. Therefore, the presentation is plain (basic, simple, unadorned, ordinary), but the real beauty is that which the flesh cannot see. This has not been published in the form of a book in order to  economically distribute the message.

Dear Lord Jesus, you ARE the King of Kings, Lord of Lords and God of Gods. You have a kingdom that will never end. You are steeped (immersed) in glory and majesty that the human mind cannot even comprehend. To you be all power, might, wisdom, honor, authority, love, devotion, Excellency, rule, dominion, and glory in a kingdom without end over both heaven and earth. You are more than a conqueror and have triumphed in great victory. At your name every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Oh, to see you as you are. You are faithful and deserving in a creation that is not. The Great King shall abundantly triumph over all that opposes His just, righteous and holy rule. The Great Lord will receive what is due Him! Woe to the rebellious of creation – is there anywhere that they can hide from your all encompassing glory, power and might? May you triumph over all as you have easily prevailed over me, my righteous Lord. Amen.

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