Susan LaffertyLimits. We fight restrictions.
Don’t tie us down. Hem us in. Hold us back.
The old lie seeps in from birth. All the way from the Garden. “Did God actually say, ‘Don’t eat this’?” (Genesis 3:1-7)
And asserting independence, we step subtly off the path. Veer inconspicuously outside the way of truth. Go our own way.
We’re entitled to this freedom. This pleasure.
So we think.
Morning exercise at sunrise. Walking at a fast clip, tuned in to a podcast. Suddenly, there it is. Fragrance.
Distinct. Sweet. I don’t even have to look.
Honeysuckle.
Stopping, I turn and see. Down the the slope. A riot of honeysuckle blooms. Taking over the thicket.
Holy. Holy. Holy. Echoing through the old covenant. And God is clear about the requirements. For coming into His Presence. Following His plan.
Numbers 16 details the consequences for some who try to do it their own way. After all, they’re entitled. It’s only fair.
But the unconsecrated
fall dead.
Careless in their coming.
Second-guessing God’s appointments.
Their selfish, personal promotion
on display.
