To God Be the Glory
God often referred to the nation of Israel as being “stiff-necked," similar to a stubborn ox. In those days, when a team of oxen were harnessed to a plow, a long wooden tool called a goad would be used to poke at the heel or the neck of the oxen in order to direct them where the farmer wanted them to go. Sometimes the oxen would “kick at the goad” or completely refuse to be directed. They would be referred to as “stiff-necked” animals.
I’ve often thought that those Israelites were so foolish and blind—that they lacked so much faith. Why could they not see how God was delivering them? Out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, out of the wilderness, and into the land of Canaan (the Promised Land). They had a big trust problem. When Pharaoh's army was closing in on them, they even questioned Almighty God by saying, “What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness” (Exodus 14:11-12). William Gurnall wrote in his The Christian In Complete Armour, "All Israel followed Moses joyfully out of Egypt. But when their stomachs were a little pinched with hunger, and their immediate desires deferred, they were ready at once to retreat. They preferred the bondage of Pharaoh to the promised blessing of the Lord."
What I’ve come to realize is that I’m not much different. I’ve failed to see numerous times how the Lord is leading me, and even when I am aware, I often want to go my own direction. I lack trust in God. I become “stiff-necked.” I prefer building my own city, being too self-reliant, and telling others, “Look what I’ve done.”
Something that Mr. Fisher said at the State of the School dinner really struck me. He referred to how important it will be to maintain our focus on Christ as we move toward the completion of the new building—to not only look in the rearview mirror and see how Almighty God has provided, but to also look forward and honor him in ALL that we do. A passage of scripture that comes to mind is Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Capstone community, this requires us to be diligent in prayer, humbly and earnestly asking God for direction, humility, and wisdom. There is no doubt that when we move into the new school, we will recognize its beauty, and that is a great blessing. Oh Lord, may we not glory in the work of human hands. Let this building not be our "golden calf" but instead, let it remind us of your gracious provision and the goodness, truth, and beauty found only in and lavishly poured out by You! May we glorify You in all that we do in its halls.