In Genesis 26, there is a story about the Philistines filling the wells Abraham had dug with dirt and debris. Isaac reopens the wells by removing the debris, but the shepherds of Gerar stake claim to them. Then Isaac does something interesting. Instead of arguing over the old wells he keeps digging new ones.
I don't want to stretch this analogy too far, but I think every generation needs to keep digging new wells. We can't just drink from the wells dug by our fathers. We need to dig new wells.
The 17th century Japanese Poet, Matsuo Basho, said, "Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the men of old; seek what they sought."
Listen, I'm a conference junkie. So take this the right way. But it seems like we spend so much time and energy trying to learn from others. And that is good. But we better be investing more time seeking God because God has the key to our cities. God has the solution to our problems. God has the magic model of ministry. We don't just need good ideas. We need God ideas. You can get good ideas from a conference speaker, but God ideas come from God himself. And one God idea is worth more than a thousand good ideas!
Keep digging!
I don't want to stretch this analogy too far, but I think every generation needs to keep digging new wells. We can't just drink from the wells dug by our fathers. We need to dig new wells.
The 17th century Japanese Poet, Matsuo Basho, said, "Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the men of old; seek what they sought."
Listen, I'm a conference junkie. So take this the right way. But it seems like we spend so much time and energy trying to learn from others. And that is good. But we better be investing more time seeking God because God has the key to our cities. God has the solution to our problems. God has the magic model of ministry. We don't just need good ideas. We need God ideas. You can get good ideas from a conference speaker, but God ideas come from God himself. And one God idea is worth more than a thousand good ideas!
Keep digging!
5 Comments:
I love that there is almost always a post in the morning. As I work night shift it is like a nice little food for thought to sleep on. Thanks for your thought provoking thoughts Pastor Mark! Blessings on your day today!
Now that's a good word!
WILD - this is like the 3rd time I've heard those 2 thoughts THIS WEEK (keep digging new wells + listen to God not to people)...
think He's trying to say something to me? LOL
Great post, Mark!
I've been thinking that for a while. I know I am guilty of it. Great word...
Post a Comment
<< Home