2 Samuel 14:29-31
29 Then Absalom sent for Joab in order to send him to the king, but Joab refused to come to him. So he sent a second time, but he refused to come. 30 Then he said to his servants, “Look, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there. Go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.
31 Then Joab did go to Absalom’s house, and he said to him, “Why have your servants set my field on fire?”
Have you ever touched a red hot stove? The searing pain is immediate and so is your reaction. This automatic nerve reflex is to keep your body from further harm. Sometimes when we make the wrong choices in life, God tries to warn us. This may be because we are not following God’s plan for our life. We may be missing the direction he wants us to go so he guides us both physically and spiritually. Or, we may be venturing into a sin that will only get worse and have devastating consequences. His goal in warning us is like the pain from heat – to get us to move away in order to prevent further harm.
Is God trying to get your attention? Here are the steps of God’s warning system: 1st Degree - God taps us on the shoulder; the Holy Spirit speaks to us internally & externally. 2nd Degree - God shakes our tree; he allows difficulties to show us our need for him. 3rd Degree - God sets our field on fire; this is God’s most drastic measure to reach us. The last stage is often after a period of time in which we have refused to turn back. By that time, we have wandered away from God, often chin-deep in a sinful behavior and he is allowing the consequences of our choices to consume a part of our life.
So what should we do? In order to produce a growing, intimate relationship with God, learn to listen to him through consistent prayer and bible study. Following his plan and avoiding the disasters of sin involves walking by faith not by sight. Trusting the Holy Spirit, living obediently, and walking in-step with him bring God glory and make you more Christ-like. If he has “set your field on fire” then turn everything over to him in repentance. God’s mercy is abundant and his desire is to forgive you and restore you. You are God’s greatest joy. He loves you unconditionally. Pray today asking for his continued guidance and direction.
Oh, praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead.
Additional examples from the bible:
1st Degree – God taps us on the shoulder
- The Holy Spirit speaks to us internally & externally
- Jonah 1:1-2; Jonah was asked by God to do something (1 The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”)
- Matthew 26:31-35; Peter was warned (31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” 34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” 35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.
2nd Degree – God shakes our tree
- God allows difficulties to show us our need for Him
- Jonah 1:4-6; God sent a storm but Jonah would still not repent
- Matthew 2:50-52, 56b; Things started heating up for Peter
3rd Degree – God sets our field on fire
- This is God’s most drastic measure to reach us
- Jonah 1:15-17; Jonah was put in a position to listen to God
- Matthew 6:69-75; Peter hit rock bottom
So what should we do?
- Jonah 2:1
- 1 Peter 4:19
- John 21:15-17
God’s mercy
- Jonah 2:10
- Luke 13:6-9
- 2 Peter 3:9
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