Set!

Set!

Psalms 84:5 AMP

[5] Blessed and greatly favored is the man whose strength is in You, In whose heart are the highways to Zion.

This psalm is noted to be written by the sons of Korah. You will also find a few other songs and psalms written by these men. They were not as popular as David the king, but they find a path into the records of the book of life. The story of their lives is steeped in rebellion against God, as we remember the story of Korah, Dathan and Abiram, men who plotted against Moses and led a rebellion against the authority of God bestowed upon Moses. It is interesting to note that in those days, the instruction was that Israel should depart from the tents of these men so that they would not be destroyed with the rebellious, but the one account that matters to us today is placed somewhere in Numbers 26:11, which says: 'But Korah’s sons did not die [because they did not participate in the rebellion']. Reflect on this: what could have led these young men to set themselves apart from their fathers, and not participate in what must have been a popular movement at the time? The bible records that more than 250 people, including the families of Dathan and Abiram perished in the rebellion, but not these few sons of Korah. 

Who said that the majority is always right? Who says that if you have the numbers, you have the might? Who says that it is safe to go with the flow? Not so with God. God has never moved by numbers, but in every generation or dispensation, He always has a remnant that He keeps for Himself, in whom He can display His power. It has never been about impact by numbers, but impact by a personal encounter with God. These sons saw what God could do, and I am sure His fear and reverence were set in their hearts. In this evil generation, we need to be constantly reminded of who this God is, and what He can do. We need to remind ourselves often what the standards are so we do not ever forget. This is the message of the verse above: God does not set out looking for a multitude. He starts with that one man who places his strength in Him. It is that one man who will then impact the multitude and draw the hearts of men to God. No one dares to put His trust in God and is put to shame or disappointed.

It is clear that human strength is limited. It is clear that true power isn't in muscular strength or street credibility. Jesus is the Wisdom and the Power of God, and all who have Him have all that they need for life and Godliness. The verse above also gives a description of the man that God is looking for: his heart is set on pilgrimage, and is on the highways to Zion. Zion was called the city of David after he won it in a battle, which also means that those who will set on the path to Zion must be ready for opposition and resistance. However, having an understanding of what is at stake will keep me focused. As there is a physical Zion, so is there a spiritual Zion. There is a destination in view: a place of eternal rest. Do my daily pursuits and priorities show that I am bound for that eternal destination? Is my heart truly set on the journey, no matter the distractions? God is still looking for men and women whose hearts are totally committed to Him. He will not cast them away, but will bring them to the place of fulfilment. God's time of favour is here.