November/December 2024
Before modern tractors were outfitted with computers, boys on the farm had to learn how to plow a straight row. One dad told his son, “Choose an object on the far side of the field and plow straight toward it.” Later, when he checked on the boy’s progress, not a single straight furrow had been plowed. Every single row was uneven and winding.
“I told you to select an object and plow toward it,” he reprimanded.
“I did,” the boy answered, “but the rabbit kept hopping!”
In a time of convulsion and confusion, with every person deciding for themselves what is true, pastors and leaders are under pressure to chase after every rabbit someone considers the standard of right and wrong. But God’s Word is the unchanging, unyielding paragon of truth for this and every generation!
God told Joshua to make sure he STAYED FOCUSED on Scripture as he led Israel. “Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left.” (Joshua 1:6) He then instructed him to SPEAK His Word into every situation and setting. “Shall not depart from your mouth.” The word means “cease from;” he was to constantly reference it in his conversations. He was also to SAVE His Word. “Meditate on it day and night.” Like clicking the save button on your computer, what is on the screen only has lasting value if you save it to the hard drive.
Preach the Word, pastor. Yes, what we are called to do goes against what our society says to do; but, when this generation has come and gone, the Word of God will still be standing.
Dr. Lynn Hardaway
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