I’m taking a brief break from my study for this week’s post. I had a busy work week and couldn’t devote the study time my subject deserves. Instead, I am sharing a poem I wrote some years ago (reworked a bit for this post). I was reminded of it as I have conducted this study and especially as I have seen the Greek word translated “obedience” means “attentive listening”. Hearing the Voice of God, knowing that He is revealing Himself, is wonderous. I can remember when He began to teach me about Himself some 20 years ago. There was a period of time when all I could do was marvel that the God I had learned about was real and alive and talking to me. He wasn’t some artifact I went to a museum called “church” to reminisce about nor was the Bible a textbook used to study Him like a specimen.

However, not everyone responds to God’s revelation of Himself in the same way at the same time (See 1 Corinthians 15:20-23). Trusting and following after the revelation we receive can be lonely and even painful when those we wish to have close relationships with aren’t seeing the same things we are. It can feel.

Except…He will never leave us nor forsake us. His Spirit lives in us and it isn’t possible for us to ever be alone. It’s important to test everything because not every spirit is from God (1 John 4:1-5) but God isn’t out to trick you: He is patient and He is kind and He will confirm His word to you. If the time ever comes when you have to rise up and walk in the light you have been given and no one else will walk with you, know you do not so alone. God Himself goes with you and in you and there are many of us already outside the camp (Hebrews 13:13). I hope this poem both blesses and encourages you all.

Outside the Camp
I am one of many sheep at rest
The others are asleep, I think
I alone lie here, distressed
The Voice won't let me sleep a wink.
Come out! Come out! Come out to me!
Abandon the darkness and the damp!
Oh, the song I will sing to thee
My life is warmth: my word a lamp!
The other sheep all laugh at me
They all have heard the calling too
"The voice is that of the enemy
A wolf who will devour you".
The Voice does not make me scared
He assures me I won't be alone
But I don't know if I'm prepared
To go outside on my own.
I can already hear His song
I'm sure His Voice is one I know
Something so beautiful can't be wrong
Oh, does no one else desire to go?
There is not one who'll go with me
They all say I've been led astray
If it's devoured I'm to be
So be it. He calls. I must obey.