Reflections

Christ or Circumstances

If we do not allow ourselves to be led by the Lord then we shall be driven by our circumstances, or by the people who surround us. When the Israelites rebelled against God  and refused to follow Him, then God informed them that He would not travel with them. Moffat translates Ex. 33:3 in this way: "I will not go with you. I will send an angel in front of you". Religion became a secondhand affair in which they were led by an angel, rather than by direct contact with God.

When we lack a living vital contact with God through His Son Jesus Christ we tend to turn to things we can see, rather than depend on the invisible but reliable wisdom that supports the universe. Some Christians turn to the stars for guidance, but it is sheer materialism to believe your life is determined by lumps of matter floating in space. It is a sign of inner collapse when someone who professes faith in Christ draws their inspiration from a daily horoscope rather than from a vital contact with God through His Word. Instead of facing the facts of life in the Spirit and power which Jesus Christ gives to all those who are His, they turn to the stars to determine their destiny, only to find that instead of being led into sure ways, they are led into a swamp.

We must regain the sense of being led, for if we are not led by God, then we will allow ourselves to be led by anything that comes. We Christians must work from principles, not pressures, and experience a vital daily contact with God and the Lord Jesus Christ. I say again: We will be led either by Christ or by circumstances.