
Rev. E. Anderson
MISSING THE MARK
Reading Hebrews 3
Text Hebrews 4:1
Introduction
EVER PRESENT DANGER: One of the obvious things that should come through within the realm of our Christian life and experience in observing what has taken place in other lives of previous generations, it is that of stopping short of achieving that which is virtually within one’s grasp Many have come within the bounds of accomplishing wonderful things in relation to both their lives and service but in the end fell short and missed out on fulfillment. It has to be said that it is an ever-current danger and has to be watched. An opportunity may only present itself once in a lifetime and the possibility of stopping short just at that moment is there. One has to be alert and sensitive to this issue because one can miss out on choice things and experiences.
To stop short can bring an untold sense of disappointment. It can introduce a long period of discouragement. It can start a roller-coaster in terms of failure and defeat and keep the spiritual morale in a low condition. The devil establishes a seeming advantage and seeks to press home the situation further. It is imperative that there is a seizing hold of every God-given situation so that we make a success of our lives for God.
NEEDFUL REVELATION/DETERMINATION: Two things are essential if there is to be no stopping short: First a clear revelation from God of what is happening and what is expected of us. Divine vision and a proper knowledge of the vision in its interpretation and application must come through. Paul could affirm that he was not ‘disobedient to the heavenly vision’. This must have meant that he was absolutely sure of the route God was taking him on and what was to be accomplished through his life. There is the indication from on high that he would not be left in the dark in this connection - Acts 9:15, 16. What was then necessary for realization was courage and determination and this was not missing from him - Acts 20:22-24. The important thing for him to effect was the will of Christ.
The keynote of Christ’s life and service was ‘fulfillment’. He had no intention of stopping short until He could cry: “It is finished” - John 19: 30. There must have been moments when he could have pulled off and out, but He didn’t.
It is noteworthy to view the things in which people did stop short so that if we are faced with similar situations and experiences we may take the positive action and go through.
1/. STOPPING SHORT IN TRUE DEVELOPMENT
Whilst Adam was created physically perfect, without spot, blemish or wrinkle, he needed to be fully developed as a person in terms of character. He certainly would be called upon to exert his physical powers, mentally, emotionally and volitionally in the environment and relationship that was his, but there was also to be the need to evidence his spiritual and moral powers. There was a sense in that he was not perfect, areas that needed to mature, be conditioned in and brought to a state of completion.
The initial test placed upon him in the Garden of Eden was but starters. This couple was required to move forward into achievement and success through their God-given powers and abilities. There would be progressive stages to be negotiated, and as they were fulfilled, they would be fulfilled in themselves, and yet move on to much greater relationship with God and attainment in and with God The condition placed upon them by God must not be regarded as an impediment, a stumbling stone, but a stepping stone to higher things.
In their act of disobedience it would seem they lost sight of the divine and heavenly vision that God had for them. Because they failed at this they missed out on the fuller development that would have benefited themselves and future offspring The family to be born missed out because the parents did not interpret and act aright in this matter. The golden opportunity of putting the human race on the right track was lost – Gen. 3.
2/. STOPPING SHORT IN RICH POSSESSION
It seems incredible that Israel could experience so much at the hands of God by way of providence and blessing and miss it at an important juncture. What miraculous things they had witnessed through the leadership of Moses! They had been serfs under the Egyptians and had a very rough time. Life and work had been far from easy. Deliverance had come in a unique way and they had been enriched by their masters before the Exodus. The journey to the Promised Land had been signally marked by the guidance, protection and provision of God - see Exodus and Numbers. There had been no failure on the part of Jehovah.
They are then confronted with the challenge of entering into the land that had been vouchsafed to their fathers by God – Gen. 15: 13-16; 50: 24, 25. The revelation had been given in prophecy and now they stand on the brink of the fulfillment of that prophecy. The God that had given the word to their fathers was with them and had proved His fidelity and ability. It was an opportune time to honour Him and their fathers.
The spies are sent out into the land – Num. 13 and they came back with a good report concerning the land w26, 27. All that had been said of the land was true and it was worthy of possession. But regrettably, as history reveals, they failed to go in and stopped short. The record has it that they missed out on a choice time to inherit their rights in God. They are not the only ones to have reached this point and stopped short. Many have finished up languishing in the wilderness when they could have enjoyed Beulah land. Many stop short of Pentecostal blessing in all of its fullness because of similar mind attitude.
3/. STOPPING SHORT IN THE MATTER OP VICTORY
It is utterly essential to know the continuous experience of victory. In no way does God desire His people to be subject to defeat either in spirit or actual circumstance. He does not simply want victory but resounding victories and conquests. The trail has to be one of supreme and overwhelming triumph. There are to be no half-measures in this. The enemy has to be completely routed and removed.
Illustration: David did not leave Goliath stoned and stunned.
This is advanced to us in and through the prophet Elisha on his death bed - c.f. 2 Kings 13: 14-19. A great opportunity is presented to the king, Jehoash, to enter into and know the devastating of the forces of Israel. The Syrians would be making every effort to bring subjugation and destruction to his people and the advantage would be in his hands to deal drastically with them. The word came as to what should be done against this formidable foe – 2 Kings 6: 8 . Even though Elisha was in a dying condition he was in fighting spirit. An order is given by the prophet to the king vi 8 “Strike the ground” but the prophet was displeased at his apathetic response vi 9. He would live to regret it!
4/. STOPPING SHORT IN MINISTRY
One would never have thought that some of the Bible greats would have stopped short in their tracks with regard to ministry. Even in the best there is weakness at times. There can be the unwillingness to go through and complete the ultimate will of God.
This is seen in the case of Elijah - 1 Kings 18 16 He was called upon to anoint Hazael as king over Syria and Jehu king over Israel. We do not read that he fulfilled this commission.
“Elijah would have been shattered, staggered even, to hear this part of God’s great Idea. This was unbelievable. Perhaps he had at last been driven over the abyss of madness. Why had he fled in terror In the first place? Because he was scared of Ahab and Jezebel And now listen to God’s instruction: ”Anoint another king !” Nothing could be more guaranteed to ignite the raging demonic anger of Jezebel to inferno pitch. To anoint Jehu would be to sign his own death warrant – or so it seemed to Elijah.” J. Lucas
It is possible that the following thirteen years of the reigns could have been thwarted by the immediate work of these two anointed ones. Elisha is the one that rises to do this task.
This is seen in the case of Peter. Did he stop short in his calling and ministry having ministered blessing to the Gentiles in the home of Cornelius - Acts 10. Did God want to use him in a fuller way in seeking to break down his racial pride and bias but Peter did not fully rise to it? There may well have been some pulling back and an unwillingness to go further. There was the start but was there the will to go further on into a much greater field of ministry?
5/. STOPPING SHORT IN PRAYER
Most would agree concerning the importance of prayer as to its power and its results. Untold and unbelievable things have taken place because there has been an engaging in this vital ministry. Christ taught that it was imperative for men to pray - Luke 18:1. He prayed and encouraged others to do so.
In relation to it He said that it was essential to persist in it - ‘not to faint’. In other words, ‘never to despair and give up’. Because the answer does not come immediately one must not think of stopping. Whilst one must not be merely repetitive in the matter of words with regard to prayer, ( i.e. vain repetitions Matt 6: 7), nevertheless, there must be the will to continue to ask until the answer is forthcoming. He taught, “Ask and keep on asking..” - Matt 7: 7.
There is the need for sheer persistence here. It is illustrated by Christ’s teaching re-the widow asking the unjust judge for justice - Luke 18: 2-8; and the person asking for bread at midnight - Luke 11: 58. No one should call a halt until there is the answer. Elijah is given as an example as the man who prayed for rain - James 5. How many prayers have been nigh an answer but at the last minute there has been a calling off!
6/. STOPPING SHORT IN DELIVERANCE
It is possible to be so close to deliverance and healing and fail to experience at the last because of stopping short. It can be near at hand and yet go far away by reason of the lack of pressing through at the ultimate point and moment. If there was one person who had every reason to cry off because of circumstances it was the woman with the issue of blood - Matthew 9: 20-22. Everything was evidently against her in receiving her desire that day. The crowd and her physical condition were forbidding factors but she refused to stop short.
Naaman nearly missed it in his day - 2 Kings 5. Pride virtually prevented him breaking through and getting what he desperately required. He had met the prophet, he had gotten a message for the removal of the curse of leprosy, but he nearly went back the same as he came. But good counsel and humble pie did the job!
CONCLUSION
What are you on the threshold of obtaining and achieving? you stand on the brink of seeing something divine and wonderful taking place but the spirit is low and the faith seemingly weak.
It is not the time to surrender to temptation, unbelief, fear, indifference, circumstances etc.
You are about to know the end result in and through God as you adhere to God’s purpose and strength.