Leave the Cloak

8/25/2004

Leave the Cloak. It’s nice that you had one. Now, will you leave it behind, without a second glance?

“The person who is on the housetop must not come down to get what is in his house, and the person who is in the field must not turn back to get his coat.” (Mat.24:17-18)

“What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.” (2Cor.7:29-31)

They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow Me” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. (Mat.4:17-20)

Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. (Gen. 22:2-3)

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. ” (Mat. 13:45-46)

“Let no one on the roof of his house go down or enter the house to take anything out. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak.” (Mark 13:15-16)

Just a thought from some time in prayer this morning. It is urgent for me (and for all who are His, I would suppose) to draw near to Him, and be focused. These Truths above, and an application below, were very important to me this morning.......

Isn’t it true that “immediate obedience” is a major part of “on earth, as it is in Heaven”—HIS Kingdom? “For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son He loves.” “Go into every nation... and teach them to obey everything I’ve commanded you.” And, “If you love Me, you will obey My commands.”

So, what would it take for me to stop “whatever I’m doing,” and obey something I believe He’s commanded me?

Would I stop in the middle of an “important” business discussion or deal, and lay it aside—to speak or do something for Father? Or would I make excuses such as, “Well, I wasn’t totally sure it was what God wanted.” Or, “I think I could do what God wanted AFTER I got done with my ‘responsibilities’. Of course God wants me to be a good ‘steward,’ right?” Truthfully, with that attitude, we certainly can’t be His, according to the Truths above, and a thousand other similar Testimonies of God’s heart and mind in the Scriptures.

Would I stop and go a different direction for Him, in obedience—in the middle of a conversation? Would I walk out of a “show” or “game” after paying money, in utter obedience to Him—or would I block out His Voice and make excuses? Do I love my flesh and the world..... or Him?

Will I change or terminate or sacrifice a human relationship, whether one of emotion or of biology, or both—at His bidding, based on His Truths and Voice? Am I listening? Or, do I attempt to make God subservient to my preferences and desires, my fears or my ambitions?

Would I lay my racquet or golf club or ball down in the middle of the playing field—and walk away, even before the match or contest or game is over—FOR HIM, in answer to the Voice we are always listening for? What would it take? Would He have to crack the sky and send ten thousand angels to sing us an invitation to serve Him somehow—before we would take Him seriously enough to quit golfing after eight holes, even if we were having our “best round ever”? Can we lay it all down and walk away?

How much “fun” or “money” or “entertainment” or “pleasure” does it take to over-rule Father and His Son’s Voice and Call? How many techno-devices or gadgets or “things” get more care and attention and bring more “pleasure” than the Voice of our Master and the Friend? May it never be so. Jesus isn’t a “hobby” alongside our other “important” life occupations and diversions. His Call to us is to be always listening for Guidance from Him, in every “fishing trip” and “relationship” and “possession” (see the verses above), and then leave our “nets” lying there on the ground as we obey His Voice. It’s our calling and privilege. And nothing else REALLY matters. Right?

“Let no one enter his house to get anything out. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak.”

Just how clear-hearted and clear-minded are we about the “things” of this world, and even the “good gifts” the Father has previously given? It’s time to be clear. He doesn’t need to “crack the sky” and send Angels (or “crack a whip”) to get our attention. We love Him! And love the Good Shepherd’s VOICE. : )

Ahhhhh—RISE UP MIGHTY MEN!

AWAKEN!!!

RISE UP OH WOMEN OF GOD—BE ALERT AND SELF-CONTROLLED!!!

His Life is “at hand” and it is time for His Mighty Men, those with the Captain of the Lord’s Host living within them, to RISE UP!

Listening, and obeying, is what we do. We are His. Bought for a Price.