Transformation (ii)

We began our study on Transformation by assessing the importance of having one’s perspective washed and renewed by the Word of God, which carries the newness of the realities we have in Christ. We considered the story of the Israelites, who had a poor perception of themselves and considered themselves weak against the inhabitants of the land the Lord had given over to them, to the point that they indeed became weak in the eyes of their enemies. Moving on to the next chapter, we then see the full effect of this outlook the Israelites had adopted. They murmured and cried out to the Lord, complaining against Moses and Aaron, saying, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness! Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” (Numbers 14:2-3). This is the problem with sustaining pity parties, you are always then lost in blame games and never come to a point where you take responsibility for your own actions, which then empowers you for action. How can anyone begin to transform before they introspect truthfully and face the realities of their own errors? Here we see the Israelites had become bitter with God, making them fertile ground for the enemy to trick them into forfeiting their victory by cheapening themselves through desperation. They even said to one another, “Let us select a leader and return to Egypt” (v.4) – this is what happens in churches; murmuring happens, which then leads to the rebellion against the very same spiritual authorities that were appointed by God for our deliverance. Once you begin fighting against the same covering that the Lord has placed for your protection, you have begun forsaking your own mercy. 

We continue to read that Moses and Aarom fell on their faces in exasperation, but Joshua and Caleb, two of the initial spies tore their clothes and spoke out, “The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them” (v.7-9). They really tried to speak some sense into them, but much like what we see today, the people of Israel did not want to hear it and instead wanted to stone them instead (v.10).

We also read from Luke 6:45 that, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). It is easy to deduce from this passage that the heart of a man can be likened to a treasure chest, and it is our responsibility to store up good treasure and this investment will also be evident in the words that we speak. The trajectory of our life will also reveal it, because “as a man thinketh in his heart, so he is” (Proverbs 23:7a). We cannot rise higher than our own thoughts, and the self image we keep in our minds has the ability to limit or steer our abilities because the Christian life is truly lived from the inside out. This is why the word of God is important, because it gives us higher thoughts from God’s own perspective, and once that treasure is stored in our hearts, it begins to affect what we say, think and eventually do! Therefore, by consciously engaging and investing in the word of God, we are able to program our subconscious minds to the fullness of the counsel of God, which will then affect our attitudes, behaviours, and choices. So guard your heart with all diligence, set up a 24/7 surveillance! This is why the Lord told His disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1); because he expected them to be proactive in their standing guard, ensuring that their minds are kept on the Lord, because that will then ensure that the peace of God which surpasses all understanding keeps all their faculties (Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:7).

Mindset is critical in everything you do, the right way of thinking is able to set you apart from all your peers. This is modelled well in the story of how Jacob met Rachel. It was during the time he was fleeing Esau, and he came to a well that was being protected through a covering stone, which was often rolled over by the people. At noon, Jacob asked the shepherds gathered why they were not watering their sheep, and they said to him, “We cannot until all the flocks are gathered together, and they have rolled the stone from the well’s mouth; then we water the sheep” (Genesis 29:8). But we read that while they were still speaking, Rachel approached with her father’s sheep, and Jacob went over and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth single handedly and watered the flock himself. Circumstances are not what should get better, church, our mindset is – and once it does, there is nothing we cannot do!

Prayer

Father, we thank You for Your Word that is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that we may be complete, equipped for every good work. You do not leave us to our own devices, You show us the ways of wisdom and You guide us into Your perfect day! You are a good Father, and we bless You! In the name of Jesus. Amen!