God on our side
by Pastor Greg Fowler
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The Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard (Isaiah 52:12b).
Over the past few years, we have heard much about being protected. COVID-19 meant we took precautions to guard against infection: wearing masks, sanitising, social distancing and getting vaccinated. It was prudent to have protection when facing danger and the unknown. As a good Father, God pledges his protection to us as we travel the different roads of life where we are challenged with the unknown.
God’s leading and protection are described as ‘going before’ his people in the Old Testament. I love this image of God making a way for us so we can see more clearly, and hazards are removed. In the movie, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, a jungle cutter cuts swathes through the forest to create a safe passage to traverse the land. Sometimes, we wish God would do that for us. We wish he would mow down all of our obstacles and kill those things that threaten us. While God does go before us, he does not destroy just so our passage is easy.
Jesus came to be Immanuel, that is, God with us. When Jesus goes ahead of us, it is as a guide and counsellor rather than a hatchet man. Jesus is much more likely to speak to us about the troubles a particular course of action will create rather than endorse our will and tear down others so that we can succeed. God going before us is not a licence for us to do as we please, thinking that God will ‘make a way’. God’s protection and guidance are experienced when we submit to him and seek his lead. He will comfort us when we fall and alert us to danger. He will be our defender against attacks from the evil one. He will love us so we can walk his way in grace.
Lord God, as we walk through life, may you show us your will. May you guide our steps and go before us. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in Adelaide and serves as pastor of Golden Grove Lutheran Church and Golden Grove Lutheran Primary School. He is blessed to spend lots of time with his grandchildren, Teddy and Olivia. His spare time is taken up with golf, Formula 1 and going out with his beautiful wife.
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