“For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” 1 Corinthians 14:8
Dear Ones:
Going to war, and more specifically going into battle, is not a light thing. If a trumpet’s sound is that which is the convincing alert to prepare for battle, it must be clearly discerned. The stakes are too great and grave to have any question as to being prepared to engage the enemy. How much more important it is to be crystal clear with regard to the calling of God, and His present leading! The Christian is engaged in an eternal endeavor with eternal ramifications. If he is to prepare “for battle,” engage in that work to which he has been called, he must be certain of God’s calling, and also of His provision.
When Gideon was called of God to deliver Israel from the domination of the Amalekites and the Midianites, he sought the Lord for great, convincing clarity. Twice He did this. For so many more in the Bible, when clarity was sought with regard to the calling and provision of God, God made the matter crystal clear. What must we do to “see” clearly, and be fully persuaded?
The first thing is to be thoroughly convinced of our NEED of the Lord Jesus. We will not trust Him for clarity if we do not seek Him fully for it. The Lord said, in the Sermon on the Mount, “…Ask, and it shall be given you.” (Matt. 7:7) He continues: “For EVERY ONE that asketh receiveth…” (v.8) These verses illustrate also what must be the second thing in order to see clearly…to believe in the faithfulness of God to GIVE clarity. In the book of the Revelation, chapter 3, we see that the Lord Jesus must anoint our eyes if we are to see. We also find that the Father is to be petitioned to give that “Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.” and We are to believe God to “…fill us with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” The Lord has laid the basis, and provided, for our clarity and necessary conviction. If we are to be “fully persuaded” concerning His calling and will, then Christ must be sought “…at the right hand of God,” with the promise that if any man lack wisdom, he can ask of God, and the Lord will give it freely and willingly.
In dealing with a blind man that was brought to Jesus to be healed, Jesus took him by the hand, led him out of town, spit on his eyes, and then put his hands upon him. When asked what he saw, he replied: “I see men as trees, walking.” Though he saw better, he did not see clearly. It will be when Jesus puts His hands on his eyes a second time, and makes him look up, that he “…saw every man CLEARLY.” (Mk. 8:25) We will see clearly when all of our hope and expectation is in Christ. He is the God of all clarity.
Dear Lord, anoint our eyes that we may see. Enable us to know Thy calling and will, with the clarity of a resounding trumpet. Give us the convictions of Thy heart, that we may truly serve Thee in the place and in a manner that will glorify Thee. In Jesus name, Amen.
Love, Dad