BEFORE 'YONDER'

Scripture:  Genesis 5:22-24 - And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him."  
"I know thy works: behold I set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name... Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."
Revelation 3:8,10

An early church affirmation stated "Day by day... Oh dear Lord three things I pray: to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, and to follow thee more nearly - day, by day." It even blossomed within the secular stylings of this generation, done as a hit song by the Fifth Dimension [when we had 'records']. Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis were the lead vocalists of the foursome. That's what I'd call staying power.

Very succinctly it connects with what could be thought of as a  Christian vision statement; encouraging the most of our focus and disposition to be reliant upon God and godliness, by which, early in the good book, as well as it's end we find the faithfulness of God to be with us, to deliver us, to save us.

Here we see two realities: HE is faithful towards us, and lavishes upon us mercy and grace.  Secondly, our experiencing HIM that way means we approach HIM in the way that HE offers [not on our own terms]. We should believe in God, but also believe God.
There is a way which works, and the vision statement for us all, is to 'Walk in the Spirit'... knowing 'Where there is no vision, the people perish.' Proverbs 29:18

So Enoch did not have to experience the flood, being uniquely caught up by the LORD, living as an obedient son [according to scripture after age 65] for 300 years. [I wonder if his Medicare card was laminated-I digress] And the church of Philadelphia, while modestly supplied, it seems had a heart for God, by which it was uniquely commended, with a promise.

Growing up, very early on, I would be read short stories that offered value statements, especially from the collective of rhymes called 'Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes'. One favorite was 'Humpty Dumpty' a short, memorable tale about the hazards of going too far, ignoring the fact of your poor balance, fragility, and inability to fly or bounce... it also informed us that even with the best of earthly resources, your damage could be pretty bad. It was a call for wisdom, perhaps even to 'lean not unto your own understanding'.

'Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All of the king's horses and all of the king's men could not put Humpty Dumpty together again.' [MGNR]
Sounds like a 'pride' tale.

[alternatively]
The wall by which dear Humpty was [Mr. Dumpty to be clear], had such to draw him close to it, until he was real near.
And being near brought other thoughts, one being that he'd try to climb that wall, and so he did, to near both God and sky.

"Hu Du! Stop!", One cried out, with lively wide-eyed care, but Mrs. Dumpty's husband climbed from start to way up there.

It was hard work to do it, but a treat to look around until the wind took hold of him and sent him to the ground.
The falling seemed like flying from its start to the end, with his landing, not so gently, scattering every bit of him.

Nearby his family begged "Please help!", throughout the hour they cried, but the handling thought to help him couldn't, despite the fair things tried.
So the mayor there called his experts home, Humpty Dumpty, down and gone, Mrs. Dumpty with their kids to mourn until the nearing dawn.
"A fine egg he was" the many mused, "None better," they all said, heading home and passing by the wall where Humpty cracked his head...

Yes, 'Hu Du' had a mighty spill, surprising all but God, who knew well all these eggs of His, aware they could be odd-
With history having many shells broke up across the land, and many monumental 'walls' defying what God planned.
That wall was kept, as were they all, inviting more to fall; and so goes Eggville's legacy- the short, as well, the tall.
Yep, Hu Du had a mighty spill, and did as he was willin', and bettors figurin' he would fall would find their pockets fillin'.
the end.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, in Jesus' precious name, forgive our presumptions that have us so prone to drifting away from what You have blessed us to have as a daily vision. I know that I can easily major in the minors, and often not stay in my lane. I thank You Lord for Your patience. Help me steer clear of those prideful tendencies that I may bless You, and those whom You put in my path, and help me to distinguish walls from bridges. Thank You God. Amen.

(by Dr. McNeal Brockington)