They say, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” That may be true, but you can teach an old preacher new thoughts. In fact, we never get too old to learn the truths of God.
A few years ago, I learned that some of the Old Testament scriptures were designed to counter the untrue beliefs surrounding Baal. The Canaanite deity was believed to give fertility to humans, animals, and crops. Baal also controlled the weather.
Using images that could be applied to Baal, Yahweh was seen to be far superior to the primary Canaanite god.
When David called out to God to be rescued from various perilous situations, God responded. How do you capture an encounter with the Living God? Poetic images are easier to grasp than narrative accounts.
In David’s case, he described a saving encounter with God. At the same time, he put Baal in his place. Yahweh, the one and only God, and not Baal, was the One who rescued him.
Then the earth reeled and rocked;
the foundations of the heavens trembled
and reeled because he was angry.
Smoke went up from his nostrils
and devouring fire from his mouth;
glowing coals flamed forth from him.
He bowed the heavens and came down;
thick darkness was under his feet.
He rode on a cherub and flew;
he was seen upon the wings of the wind. (2 Samuel 33:8-11)
David wasn’t the only person to experience God and find it difficult to put his experience in words.
In Isaiah’s experience of God, he heard the seraphs calling to one another.
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory.”
David’s experience was one where the heavens trembled. Isaiah saw the threshold of the temple shake.
The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke (Isaiah 6:3-4).
When Ezekiel came into contact with God, what he first saw was Yahweh’s chariot. If you haven’t read Ezekiel’s description of his experience, please take time to read the first chapter of his book.
David saw God coming to him on a cherub upon the wings of the wind. The chariot in Ezekiel’s experience was awe-inspiring in itself.
As I looked, a stormy wind came out of the north: a great cloud with brightness around it and fire flashing forth continually and in the middle of the fire something like gleaming amber (Ezekiel 1:4).
Have You Ever Heard God’s Voice
One of my pastor friends was asked if he had ever heard God’s voice speaking to him. He replied, “God knows I have a weak heart. If He spoke to me, I would probably have a heart attack and die.”
Most of us are like my pastor friend, not David, Isaiah, or Ezekiel. That doesn’t mean we can’t experience God.
Like David, we may experience God in times of crisis. We call out to God for His help, He comes to our aid, and we discover God’s presence.
At other times, we find God calling us to join Him in His work in the world. That why God came to Isaiah and Ezekiel.
I remember mowing our family’s yard, when I experienced God. I didn’t see a storm or God’s chariot, but I met with God just the same. As I was turning the mower to clip another strip of grass, God called me into the ministry.
That was well over 50 years ago, but they have been the best 50+ years anyone could ever desire.
David’s prayer was a recollection of God’s goodness to him. I suggest you take a few minutes today and remember God’s activity in your life.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, Bruce’s son-in-law Alex, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 