EXODUS 23:20. “Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.” “No false report … do not follow the evil crowd … do not yield to the poor man’s cause … never refuse to help your enemy … take no bribes … do not oppress the stranger … take proper care of your land … keep the feasts of the Lord.” AN ANGEL … TO KEEP THEE … TO BRING THEE. What is that buzzing sound I hear? It seems I can hear it everywhere – The sound of people fleeing in fear – Reminds me that the Angel of God is near To make God’s promise mine.
Other sounds come from barely opened lips.
A person leans close to tell how another slips. I remember then how a false report will tip My judgment – I must quickly this falsehood nip In the bud – or the sin is mine.
Loud cheering sounds of ecstasy – Comes soaring over the air to me – And I am sorely tempted to go and see What the outcome of such evil will be – But it is wrong – I must close these ears of mine.
The poor man whines – he thinks life is unfair. He rallies discontent – he wants me to be there To support his cause – though it is still unclear What he hopes to gain when he is not willing to share Any work – he wants that to be mine.
A call for help comes out of the dark. I respond by running to give some help – But it is my enemy – I am about to remark, “You deserve…”, but the Spirit gives me an awful start – The problem that is his could be mine.
The voice of the tempter says, “Just take the cash… If you’ll just do this, no one will ever ask Or even know – I’ll give you some – there’ll be no tax.” Then I’m reminded – looking over my back Is my Lord – He knows what is really mine.
A strange sounding voice – words I don’t understand Come to me from another – that immigrant man. I can tell by his tone and stretched out hand – He wants my friendship – he will do what he can To earn this respect of mine.
God gave this to me – it is not really my own. The silent calls from possessions – and what I call “my home” Remind me again of Him from whom all blessings come. I must not abuse, nor forget what God in grace has done – That lets me call these things mine.
The call comes to worship, this is a special day. God wants to see me give from my heart the words I say. I dare not approach or worship in a casual way. I will come to His house and my vows I will pay – For this Savior and Lord is mine.
“I thank Thee today, O Gracious Father, that Thou hast sent this Angel before me, to keep me from all these calls, voices and strange sounds that entice. I am on my way to ‘the place’ Thou hast prepared and I do not want to be side tracked by anything – not even the new leadership of the country. Help me to keep my eyes on the high ground ahead and stay walking in Beulah Land on my way to those heights. Give me the grace to avoid all the challenges that are thrown in this narrow path that conspire to trip me up. I pray earnestly in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”