RUN CAN’T HIDE
Daniel 9:11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.
My father used to say that running from a problem was not the solution. And, the first time I ran from my mother to avoid a whipping, she told me I couldn’t run far enough. Turns out she was right. Sooner or later I would slink back into range of that ol’ hickory and get my just desserts and an added little bit for the running. I soon learned to quit running and take my punishment like a good boy should. It taught me a lesson and carried me a little farther down the road toward manhood.
There were times in my life that proved the opposite. Instead of me running from the problem, the problem would run from me. At other times the prime ingredient of a problem would be removed, be it a person, thing, or event.
In both cases the problem would persist, or the dilemma would continue under similar circumstance until the issue was tackled and wrestled to a solution. My obedience to Mom in standing still and taking my punishment was a boon for her and me. We both benefitted from my obedience. Standing still and confronting an issue, problem, or dilemma will always prove beneficial in the end. Even if the solution lies in the lap of another rather than our own, to tackle the issue together is not only beneficial, but by God’s standards, it is required.
Suppose God had decided the problem of fallen man was ours to resolve? Is it in any way necessary for God to have involved himself in the matters of men? God could have turned his back on us many times and in the most absolute way. Yet, God did no such thing. God confronted the issue of fallen man. In the beginning, before creating the first atom of the earth, He had confronted the issue. We could have gone on our merry and sinful way into the fires of eternal torment. Some of us do. Do you think the lost man in Hell’s fire, sentenced to an eternity of loneliness and pain, does not cause God tremendous sorrow? For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. - (John 3:16) All God wants is for the lost to stand and confront disobedience. We can confront God on two terms, washed in the blood of Jesus Christ, or under the stain of sin in collusion with rebellious Satan. Even by our laws we are responsible for error when in the company of those making error. To be in company with disobedience is to agree, accept, and advocate disobedience. Guilty by association has eternal and damning ramifications. Men turn their backs on God and run in the opposite direction every day. Running from God only ends in judgment and death. And, in the end our souls will return, without our conscious volition, within the range of God’s judgment.
Who will stand before God? All men will make an account. Some will account for their sin. Some will account for their stewardship. All will make an account before God.
Who can run from God’s reach?
Every case in scripture of running away from God, God’s will, or God’s people ended in judgment. Jonah ran from the mission field. Lot ran from difficulty. Jacob ran from family and famine. Many times the Philistines ran from the Israelites. Kings ran from Abraham and more ran from Gideon. Israel ran from a bad report and for forty years ran from the stench of death.
When we choose to run we choose the worst of all courses. Waiting for someone or something to run or remove itself is no better. Contrary to popular opinion, there is reason to cry over spilt milk. How many cried in the wilderness? How often did Lot cry over the loss of his family. Moses could have ended the mutiny, and Lot could have witnessed to his family.
Have we the love of God in us?
How many times have we run and lost because we were running in the wrong direction?
I Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
Israel thought they could run from the law by departing the land of law.
But, the law followed in their wake and invaded their lives and dreams.
Had they stayed and embraced their oath we could be living in the Kingdom of Israel, but God had bigger plans. We have the opportunity to be in the Kingdom of God, both before and after the death of the flesh. Run to Jesus Christ’s welcome embrace and you will have the courage to embrace your problems, your family, and all your circumstance.
Find the courage which is Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Run can’t hide, so, hide your run in Christ.
