"Over There"

by R. Darke, Victoria, B.C. | Category: Fingerpost | Jul 1972

The boat was slowly moving down one of China's main rivers, and the aged missionary aboard with his son seemed to be talking to himself. "It is over there, I know, but I cannot see very well", he remarked, peering through almost blind eyes to a familiar place in the distance. "Over there" was the scene of his many meetings with God; the place he resorted to in times of crisis and discouragement. This was his Peniel, or his place of the 'bush, where unforgettable experiences happened, and the soul grasped afresh the precious promises of an Eternal God.

The Christian must never cease to marvel at the grace of the King of Eternity who delights to meet with men and women. Oh the wonder of it all I A mere man, perhaps considered of no account by earthly kings and dignitaries, enjoying audience with heaven's King.

Jacob met Him at Peniel, and He blessed him there (Gen. 32:22-32). It was an unforgettable night of wrestling, and in the morning he was greeted by the glory and brightness of the rising sun, as he limped along the road over Peniel (v.31). Jacob was a limping man for the rest of his life, but he would never forget seeing "God face to face" (v.30). That limp might have a spiritual lesson for those of us who long for great experiences with the God of Jacob, for it is indicative of the life of faith which is taken a step at a time.

Moses met Him at the burning bush, where he was privileged to hear God calling unto him (Ex. 3:4). Unlike Jacob, Moses "hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God" (v.6). This memorable meeting resulted in the man, who had fled from Egypt, returning there to lead to freedom over three million Israelites, to a divinely chosen place where they could serve and worship God.

The Psalmist met Him at the little mountain of Mizar (Ps. 42:6). Only once is this place mentioned in Scripture, but it was a place of remembrances. Was it here the cast down soul was uplifted and strengthened? the sad countenance made to rejoice, and the tears of sorrow were wiped away? Whatever the experience, it is made memorable by its mention.

And what a meeting place the Emmaus road proved to be when two downcast disciples met the Lord; where they walked and talked with Him, and heard Him speak, and were privileged to look full into His wonderful face. Their hearts burned within them after listening to His refreshing ministry, and they were quick to tell others of their memorable experience (Luke 24).

But greatest of all meetings will surely be "in the air", when our blessed Lord Jesus returns with a shout, the voice of the archangel, and the trump of God (1 Thess. 4). No limping then, for we shall all be changed; no fears, no tears, no downcast souls, for we shall be happy to see His glorious face. We, who were once sinners, will be made ready for His presence, and we shall spend all eternity with Him. What a memorable meeting that will be! May the Lord's coming to make such a meeting possible, not be delayed. Even so come, Lord Jesus.

R. Darke, Victoria, B.C. | Jul 1972
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