Hello Everyone
SIT WALK STAND
Recently reading Pauls letter to the Ephesians reminded me of one of Watchman Nee’s books Sit, Walk, Stand.
Read many years ago, now sitting comfortably on one of our bookshelves. It made quite an impact at the time of first reading.
Watchman Nee, Ni Tuosheng, or Nee T’o-sheng, was a Chinese church leader and Christian teacher who worked in China during the 20th century. In his book, Sit,Walk,Stand, he sub-divides the Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians as you see in the title.
SIT – “The God of our Lord Jesus Christ – raised Him from the dead , and made Him to sit at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.
God made Jesus to sit and made us to sit with Him. Christian life does not begin with walking, it begins with sitting. Though the Christian life begins with sitting, sitting is always followed by walking. Sitting describes our position with Christ in the heavenlies. Sitting is where we experience God working in us by His Holy Spirit.
WALK – Walking is the practical out-working of that heavenly position here on earth. Christian experience begins with sitting and leads to walking, but it does not end simply with Sitting and Walking . Every Christian must learn also to Stand.
STAND – “ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.”
Emboldening words from St Paul. They could be the words of a deeply respected army general to his beleaguered troops before they go into battle. This is a spiritual battle and St Paul is in no doubt whatsoever about the powers of evil that confront us.
How do you react to this conviction of his that there are spiritual forces of evil at work?
Do you have any sense of this kind of struggle in your own life?
St. Paul urges us to put on the whole armour of God. What does your armour look like? Does it fit well?
Can you imagine a scene where you are given, and then put on, the whole armour of God?
Is it a magnificent piece of shining equipment? Or does it look altogether different?
How does it feel to be wearing it?
ADVENT READING
Isaiah 43 v 1-5a Israel’s Only Saviour
43 But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour; I give Egypt for your ransom,
4 Since you are precious and honoured in my sight, and because I love you,
I will give people in for you, nations in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
ADVENT PRAYER
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, you make light to shine in the darkness. You guided the children of Israel and led them, after many trials and tribulations, to the Promised Land. As you called them you call us. We ask you to give us strength in our weakness, to dispel our fear of the unknown, to help us to know that we walk in your light and that you are always near us, leading us to freedom as your children. Amen
As you bring your thoughts to a close, speak to God as your great ally, who has overcome all evil.
Ask Him for whatever courage you might need to meet the challenges of today.
‘O my heart be wise when your enemies surround you. Keep praying; ask the Lord for help. For he is powerful. That is your weapon; do not lose it. Pray without ceasing, for the Lord is powerful.’ Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Keep Safe, Keep praying
Peter
