Letters to a Samuel Generation: On Doing the Will of God
written January 2002
I was sitting and reading my Bible one day, when it happened. A Scripture jumped out of nowhere and hit me.
You know what I mean. You’re sitting on the couch in front of the big living room windows, soaking up the late morning sun. Your mind is half on, half off what you’re reading, when a previously unassuming little verse stands up and calls for attention.
The verse in question is in Hebrews. It’s quoting one of the prophets quoting Jesus, and it says: “Then said I, Lo, I come (In the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.” (Heb. 10:7)
There was something strong about that statement, something that made me sit up straighter. I pictured Jesus, desert sun at His back, striding into Galilee with purpose thundering in every footstep. Here He comes, face set like flint, joy and grimness both in His heart: walking into destiny.
Something about it made my heart leap. The spirit of the verse called to mind another scripture: “For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing; and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” (Isa.55:12)
As a teacher I am gratified when the children respond to my commands and suggestions with enthusiasm. Their faces light up, they cheer and smile, and run to do the thing they are asked.
This happens often. But just as often, a child will complain, pout, and drag his feet when it comes to obedience. Sure, they’ll obey – but I can’t make them like it. On these occasions, I still love the children, but I’m not particularly pleased with them.
When God had made it clear to me that I was supposed to leave my family and move to Michigan, I had more then one night in which I fell into speculation and self-pity.
“But I’ll be lonely there.”
“What if I can’t work in ministry anymore?”
“What if the environment weakens my faith?”
“I’ll have to get up early in the mornings. I hate getting up early.”
I was spiritually dragging my feet, and I knew it. Oh, I meant to be obedient. But be joyful about it? Well, that was a whole ‘nuther ballgame. On one of my pouty nights, that verse in Hebrews suddenly sprang to mind. The difference between my attitude and that of Jesus shamed me. The will of God in His life was that He suffer and die, and yet He embraced it whole-heartedly.
In the Lord’s prayer we read, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” In heaven there is no foot-dragging; no moping and muttering over the perceived disadvantages of disobedience. I deeply believe that this world will begin to change when Christians learn to embrace the will of God in their lives.
“Thy will be done in me, as it is in heaven.”
“Lo, I come, do thy will, O God.”
