READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l After the reign of King Solomon, the people split into the Northern and the Southern Kingdom (between Israel and Judah). This division led to frequent conflicts. The Kingdom struggled to maintain its identity and to protect its territory from the surrounding nations. The command came from God to the Prophet Elisha when the three Kings were advancing against Moab in the wilderness of Edom where water was scarce. The valley was almost like a desert, so it was impossible to dig ditches to collect water, yet God provided. He filled not only the valley, but the country with water. v20 tells us the water came via Edom which was naturally impossible, and the ditches were filled with water. God fulfilled His promises. The people’s obedience to dig water ditches in anticipation of God’s provision despite no visible signs of rain, highlighted their faith in God’s word delivered through Elisha. This act of faith of digging ditches amidst uncertainty is a lesson for us as we navigate through the uncertainty in life.
How do we seek the Kingdom of God and what is required?
1. Discerning Divine Direction
Do not presume to know what God is going to accomplish but to be prepared.
To prepare in obedience to the Word of the Lord. And in obedience to God’s word, to wait and witness. God’s instructions may not always make sense in our human understanding. In these moments, our faith is being tested and our trust in Him is strengthened. We are called to obey even when the path ahead is unclear. His abundant blessing comes when we surrender totally. Obedience is not easy; it requires us to put aside our own plans and to trust God’s wisdom over our own. One major pitfall is the delusion that we have plenty of time to prepare. How are we preparing the ground of our life to receive God’s Word and direction?
May the Lord make room in all our hearts, to always be prepared to receive His Words. God has a plan for everyone.
2. Transformation in Trusting
True transformation begins when we place our full trust in God’s promises, even when we cannot see the way forward. As the Israelites dug the ditches, they were not only preparing for the fulfilment of God’s promise, but they were also being transformed. Their trust in God’s unseen promise shaped their attitude and expectations. They were learning to live in the light of God’s promises, to align their loves with His purposes, and to anticipate His provision.
3. Renewal in Understanding
Renewing our spiritual perception allows us to see God’s truth more clearly and to live in alignment with His divine purpose. We must intentionally seek to know God more deeply and renew our understanding of who He is through our seasons. We need to also acknowledge that God is involved in every aspect. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding, that in all our ways, submit to Him and He will make our path straight. Paul also emphasised in Romans 12 the same importance of renewing our mind and faith to trust. He said not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, then we will be able to test and approve in every season what God’s will is. Renewing our minds involves letting go of any worldly assumptions and authority over our lives and allowing God to transform our thinking according to His truth.
True discipleship involves acknowledging God as our ultimate source of life and truth. Jesus exemplified this reliance for renewal throughout His ministry. He constantly retreated and prayed to seek God, even in the face of trials. We should follow Christ to prioritise our time and space for our relationship with God, to read from the source where God has already revealed himself and to seek His Kingdom first and guidance in all things.
(Sermon notes by Honey Vreugdewater)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Let’s recall, reflect, consider, and commit!
- Recall a time when you felt God directing you to do something that did not make sense to you. How did you respond, and what was the outcome?
- Reflect on the concept of trusting in God’s unseen promises. How has your faith been challenged or strengthened by trusting in what you cannot see?
- Consider the importance of community in your faith journey. How can you support others in their walk with God, and how can they support you?
- Commit to relying on God’s provision in your life. What specific steps can you take to shift from self-reliance to God-reliance in your daily activities and decisions?
