Hebrews chapters 3-4 recount the story of the Israelites when the time had finally arrived for them to enter into the land God had promised them. They seemed to have both short-term and long-term memory problems. God had demonstrated time and time again His power and His care for them. However, when an obstacle stood in the road on their journey to inherit God's promise, they had a habit of focusing on the impossible-looking situation rather than the God who had delivered them from such "impossibilities" in the past. Because of their unbelief, most of that original group of Israelites died without ever entering into the land God had promised them. (Heb 4:19)
We see a similar situation in Jesus' time on earth, "And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief" (Matt 13:58).
I had a dream not long ago. In the dream I was driving my car in a semi-rural setting, on the edge of a town. As time passed, I found myself no longer driving a car, but sitting in a rocking chair that was being propelled by an unseen force down an unfamiliar road in the "middle of nowhere." The road gradually changed from a paved road, to a gravel road to a path. My response was panic. Where was I? I was going to be late! What am I doing in a rocking chair? Naturally, I climbed out of the rocking chair and proceeded to carry the chair. In front of me loomed a rather difficult-looking hill. I knew it would be very hard to carry my rocking chair up that hill so I chose to walk on the flat ground alongside the road. The flat ground contacted the road again on the other side of the hill. At that point, I got back on the road. I heard a car coming up behind me and I fully anticipated the driver would come to me and offer a ride. But, the car turned off the road in a different direction. Eventually, I was forced to climb a hill, still carrying my rocking chair. At the top of the hill, I was faced with three views representing three options. The first was the road behind me. Should I return? I was sure there was someplace I needed to be at a certain time back there... The path beside the road had given way to a beautiful valley with a breathtaking view. I could sit in that chair and enjoy that view for quite some time! The road in front of me also led to a valley. There was a peaceful looking village in that valley complete with a farmer walking out of his house toward his barn. As my gaze continued past the village, I saw a not-as-peaceful looking city. I thought that perhaps I should go to the village and ask the farmer where I was. At that point my dream ended. What was my choice?
I think the rather odd story in my dream depicts our lives as followers of Jesus. We like to drive and be in control. We enjoy speaking of faith and being involved in activities that proclaim faith but when our Unseen Force desires to drive us in an unfamiliar vehicle through unfamiliar territory, we face a strong temptation to climb out the chair and try to regain control. If we succumb to that temptation, we miss the rest and journey that the chair offers! I am moved to tears at the prospect of the promises of God I have forfeited in my life because of my unbelief!
The good news is, God is a God of second chances -- and third, and more. Jesus often reprimanded his disciples for their unbelief. Yet, after they were empowered by the Holy Spirit to understand, believe and walk in the Truth, they became pillars of faith. They ultimately did get on right road. If we get off of our God-given path, it is not too late to get back on if we will get back in the chair!
I believe in my dream I missed some of the beauty and rewards of the road when I chose the "easy" path. I really had no choice other than to take the flat path because I was carrying my heavy chair! What did I miss on my journey during the time I was not on the road? We want to be careful not to test God in this area or to take advantage of His grace and mercy when we are aware we are off the road. The Israelites tempted Him numerous times in the wilderness until they finally lost all hope of entering into the promises of God in this life.
What obstacles are in your path? Stay in the chair! "Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief (Heb 4:11, referring to the Israelites who missed the promises of God). I pray I will no longer allow unbelief to be a thief in my life!
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