PRE-389-389. The Making of a Worshiper

389. The Making of a Worshiper

The Making of a Worshiper

by David Wilkerson

November 25, 2003

[May 19, 1931 '96 April 27, 2011]

Exo_14:1-31 describes an incredible moment in Israel'92s history. The Israelites had just left Egypt under God'92s supernatural direction. Now they were being hotly pursued by Pharaoh'92s army. The Israelites had been led into a valley surrounded on both sides by steep mountains, and ahead of them was a forbidding sea. They didn'92t know it yet, but these people were about to experience the darkest, stormiest night of their souls. They faced an agonizing night of panic and despair that would test them to their very limits.

I'92m sure you'92re aware of this chapter in Israel'92s history. Most Christians know what happened at the Red Sea, and how God miraculously delivered his chosen people. Yet, you may wonder what this incident has to do with the title of my message, '93The Making of a Worshipper.'94

I believe this passage has everything to do with how God makes his people into worshippers. Indeed, no other chapter in the Bible demonstrates this more strongly. You see, worshippers are not made during revivals. They'92re not made in the good, sunny times, in periods of victory and health. Worshippers aren'92t made when they see the enemy on the run, put to flight. The truth is, worshippers of God are made during dark, stormy nights. And how we respond to our storms determines just what kind of worshippers we are.

Heb_11:1-40 gives us this image of Jacob in his old age: '93By faith, Jacob, when he was dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff'94 (Heb_11:21). Why is Jacob portrayed this way in his dying days?

First, we must note that Heb_11:1-40 is the chapter known as the Bible'92s '93Hall of Faith.'94 Jacob is just one of many figures listed in this chapter as an example of faith we'92re to emulate in these last days. Here was a man who had been through one storm after another. He and his family endured traumatic events at every stage. Jacob himself had been through much personal pain, sorrow and agony in his years on earth.

Now Jacob knew his life was about to end. That'92s why we see him giving his blessing to his grandchildren. So, what does Jacob do as he looks back on the events of his life? He is moved to worship. Not a word is spoken by this man. Yet, as he leans on his staff, marveling at the life God had given him, '93(he) worshipped'94 (11:21).

Jacob worshipped God in that moment because his soul was at rest. He had proven God faithful beyond any shadow of a doubt, over the course of an entire lifetime. Jacob probably replayed in his mind all the victories God had provided him at every turn. And now the patriarch concluded, '93It never mattered what battle I went through. Through every storm, God proved himself faithful to me. At times I thought I would collapse from panic and despair. But the Lord brought me through every situation. He has always been faithful. O Lord, Almighty God, I worship you!'94

I'92m writing this message today for everyone who'92s facing the most difficult time of their lives. It is meant for those who would describe their present trial as a dark, stormy night. You'92re in the midst of a time of severe testing. In fact, your trial may be so impossible, it requires a miraculous intervention from God.

I want to show you from Scripture that the Lord wants you to come out of your storm a worshipper. He has made a way for you in your dark night. And he has a plan to bring you out as a shining example to the world of his faithfulness to his people.

The Lord put Israel in their impossible situation for two reasons.

Scripture tells us the Lord himself orchestrated this dark, stormy night for his people. First, it was God who led them to the valley by the sea: '93The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel '85ye shall encamp by the sea'94 (Exo_14:1-2). It was also God who hardened Pharaoh'92s heart against Israel: '93I will harden Pharaoh'92s heart, that he shall follow after them'94 (14:4). Why would God do this?

First, the Lord tells us, '93I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord'94 (14:4). Second, God wanted his people to enter their forthcoming wilderness journey as worshippers. That'92s why it was important for them to emerge from the Red Sea now with worship in their hearts. God wanted not murmurers and complainers, but true worshippers. He had named Israel as his heritage, the people who embodied his eternal purpose on earth. Therefore, they were to be living examples of his faithfulness toward his people in their most trying times.

Here was the scene: Israel was now encamped by the sea. The people had erected their tents and were rejoicing in their newfound freedom. After four hundred years of bondage, God had led them out of the iron furnace of Egypt. And now they reveled at their first taste of freedom. They were full of the hope that freedom brings, singing and crying, '93No more whipping, no more persecution. We'92re free at last.'94 They were also excited by the promises God had given them. He had told them, in essence, '93There is a new day ahead for you. I have a promised land just ahead, waiting for you to enter in.'94

This scene poignantly represents the Christian who has been delivered by God from his sin. The believer rejoices in his newfound freedom, liberated from all past bondages. Suddenly, he'92s living in a wonderful time of salvation and deliverance. And he has a holy melody in his heart, because he'92s living on God'92s promises.

That was the condition of Israel as they encamped by the sea. The people realized God was fulfilling all his words to them. He had chosen them to be his inheritance, and now he was bringing them back to himself. They were about to become worshippers, whose testimony and witness would serve as a bright, shining light to the world.

Yet, at the hour of their greatest peace, the enemy sought to devour them. At the very height of Israel'92s freedom, during their hour of greatest hope, an attack came. The Egyptians came roaring down on them like a lion, under Pharaoh'92 command. And this demonic army was clearly bent on taking them back into slavery: '93The Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea'94 (14:9).

The report came suddenly and unexpectedly: '93The Egyptians are here! Pharaoh'92s army is thundering down on us.'94 This sent shock waves through the camp. Israel'92s leaders scrambled to a nearby ridge, where they saw great clouds of dust rising from the massive march below. Hundreds of horses and riders were approaching, followed by legions of infantry. The earth shook from the powerful rumbling of 900 iron chariots.

What a terrible sight. It shattered all hope in the camp: '93The children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid'94 (14:10).

I ask myself, how many Christians have faced this kind of terror, at the very height of their peace? My family and I surely have. I remember the shocking call that came one night, as my wife was told, '93Your brother has died. He had a sudden heart attack.'94 Or the terrible call that came to us about our precious granddaughter: '93Tiffany has a brain tumor.'94 I think of the shocking calls received by many others in our church: '93The lump you felt is malignant. Please come to the doctor'92s office right away.'94

This was the kind of sudden, shocking call Israel received. Scripture notes the people'92s reaction: '93(They) lifted up their eyes, and (beheld) the Egyptians'85and they were sore afraid'94 (14:10). God'92s people focused their attention on the terrifying situation they were in. And their cry was, '93It'92s hopeless. We'92re trapped. We'92re all going to die.'94

What they did next tells us everything about Israel'92s status as worshippers: '93The children of Israel cried out unto the Lord'94 (14:10). Don'92t be mistaken: this was no cry of worship. The people'92s cry was, '93Why have you allowed this, God? After all those years of bondage, you set us free. But for what? To die at Pharaoh'92s hands? After all our pain and suffering, is this where we end up?

'93You filled us with hope, you delivered us, you gave us great promises. Yet, when we obeyed your Word, you let the enemy come down on us. Why have you dealt with us this way? It was better for us back in Egypt. If this is how it all ends, then serving you isn'92t worth it.'94

Have you ever felt this way? Is this what you sounded like in your terrifying hour? Did bitterness rise up in you? Did you cry, as Israel did, '93What did I do to deserve this? I chose to love you, God. I'92ve done my best to follow your Word and serve you. Why would you treat me this way? All I can see is more pain ahead.'94

In the midst of their trial, God sent his people a three-point message.

God told Israel to do three things in the midst of their trial: '93Fear not. Stand still. See the salvation of the Lord.'94 His call to Israel was, '93I am going to fight for you. You'92re simply to hold your peace. Just be quiet, and put everything in my hands. Right now, I'92m doing a work in the supernatural realm. Everything is under my control. So, don'92t panic. Trust that I'92m fighting the devil. This battle is not yours.'94

Soon dusk fell over the camp. This was the beginning of Israel'92s dark and stormy night. But it was also the beginning of God'92s supernatural work. He sent an awesome, protective angel to stand between his people and their enemy. I believe God still sends protective angels to camp around all who love and fear him (see Psa_34:7).

But that wasn'92t all. The Lord also moved the supernatural cloud he'92d given to Israel for guidance. The cloud suddenly shifted from the front of Israel'92s camp to the rear. And it loomed as a pitch-black wall before the Egyptians. Israel'92s enemy couldn'92t see an inch beyond it: '93It was a cloud and darkness to them'94 (Exo_14:20).

Yet, on the other side, the cloud provided a supernatural light, giving the Israelites clear visibility all night long. '93It gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night'94 (14:20).

Dear saint, if you'92re a blood-bought child of God, he has put a warrior angel between you and the devil. And he commands you, just as he told Israel, '93Do not fear. Stand still. Believe in my salvation.'94 Satan may come against you breathing every evil threat. But at no time during your dark, stormy night is the enemy ever able to destroy you.

Even though Pharaoh'92s army was in total darkness, they could still raise their voices. And all night long, they spewed forth threats and lies to God'92s people: '93Once this night is over, it'92s the end for you, Israel. Tomorrow, you'92re going down. We'92re taking you back into slavery. And if you try to resist, we'92ll slaughter you. Your God can'92t save you. You might as well give up now.'94

Have you ever heard such voices, from the other side of the darkness? Has the enemy of your soul pounded your ears all night long with lies and threats? Israel'92s tents shook from this barrage of lies throughout that dark night. But it didn'92t matter how loudly the enemy threatened them. An angel was on guard to protect them. And God had made his people a promise. He had already told them he would bring them through.

I know what it'92s like to hear these threatening voices.

Recently I took a trip to eastern Europe, where we held thirty days of ministers conferences in several countries. By the time we held our final meeting, in Budapest, Hungary, I was weary. As soon as I finished preaching that night, my heart began to palpitate. Suddenly, I broke out in a sweat. I realized I couldn'92t finish conducting the meeting, so I asked my son, Gary, to step in for me.

As I stepped down from the platform, I heard a voice ringing in my ears: '93You'92re dying, David. You'92ve just preached your last sermon. Before the day is over, your heart will beat its last.'94 It was a voice from beyond the dark wall. And it was full of lies, meant to produce fear in me.

When I got to my hotel room, I simply couldn'92t rest. The voice was still there, threatening. It reminded me of other ministers I'92d known who have died: '93I took down that pastor friend of yours. And I struck down that evangelist you know. Now your ministry is over, too.'94

Talk about a dark, stormy night. Those hellish voices raged at me for hours. Finally, I got on my knees and called on God: '93Lord, what'92s going on? What am I going through? Please, help me.'94 Then the Holy Spirit whispered to me, '93David, you'92re under attack. It'92s all because you'92ve upset the devil'92s kingdom. Hundreds of pastors have been renewed and are on fire again. I'92m pleased with your work. But Satan is stirred up and angry. Yet, do not be afraid. A powerful angel has been placed between you and the enemy. You'92re not in any danger. Just be still and rest in me.'94

Then, last month, I saw again how Satan speaks from behind that dark wall. Most readers of my messages know that my wife, Gwen, has had many operations for cancer during the years. She also has only one kidney, because the other had to be removed. Every time we go to see a new doctor, he shakes his head in wonder at Gwen'92s long medical history and her miraculous survival.

Recently, Gwen battled a bladder infection. In the urologist'92s office, the doctor told us, '93I'92m afraid to prescribe medicine for this. It may damage your remaining kidney.'94 As I looked at my wife, I saw tears welling up in her eyes. And I could hear the voice inside her head at that moment: '93Your only kidney is going to fail. It'92s just a matter of time before another infection comes along.'94

No! I reminded myself. As I told Gwen later, '93Darling, you have an angel between you and that lying enemy. God is in charge of your years. No matter what battle you face right now, he has a plan for you. You'92re in the center of his will, as well as in the palm of his hand. And he has all power to bring you through.'94

Why did God allow Israel to go through an entire stormy night, when he could have spoken a mere word and calmed the elements?

During that long night in Egypt, a storm struck. Scripture says, '93Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night'94 (Exo_14:21). The Hebrew word for '93wind'94 here means '93violent exhaling.'94 In other words, God exhaled his breath all night long. Israel'92s tent-dwellings must have shaken fiercely as those mighty torrents blew through the camp.

As I write this, we'92re seeing such powerful wind-forces, in the terrible California fires. Every day, the media brings reports of how these unpredictable Santa Ana winds have spread the consuming fires. And those windstorms are lasting up to days and even weeks. The damage they'92re causing can'92t be calculated.

That'92s the kind of force that must have blown through Israel'92s camp. The windstorm that God brought down was so powerful, it began to part the waves of the sea: '93The strong east wind'85made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided'94 (14:21).

What a storm it must have been. And what a fearful time it had to be for Israel. Those fierce winds surely added to their fear, as they heard the enemy calling from beyond the dark wall: '93You'92re as good as dead now. Even if you survive the storm, you won'92t survive us. It'92s all over. You and your children aren'92t going to make it.'94

I ask you, what was God up to here? Why would he allow such a terrible windstorm to go on all night? Why didn'92t he just tell Moses to touch the water with his mantle, and part the waves supernaturally, as happened later with Elijah and Elisha? What possible reason did God have for permitting this awful night to take place?

There was but one reason: the Lord was making worshippers. God was at work the whole time, using the terrible storm to make a path for his people out of their crisis. Yet the Israelites couldn'92t see it at the time. Many were hiding in their tents, shaking in fear and angry at God. But those who came outside witnessed a glorious light show. They also beheld the glorious sight of waves mounting up, mighty walls of water rising to form a dry path through the sea. When the people saw this, they must have shouted, '93Look, God has used the wind to make a way for us. Praise the Lord!'94

I believe the supernatural light provided by that cloud is a picture of God'92s Word. We can be hidden away during a dark, stormy night, questioning God. But he has provided a light for us to see that he'92s making a path before us. Indeed, the very storm that'92s scaring us is God'92s way of forming a clear way of deliverance. And he'92ll use that path to bring us out of our storm. But to see this, we have to come into the light of his Word, to marvel at his works of deliverance.

It was there, on dry ground in the midst of the Red Sea, that God sought to make his people worshippers.

When morning came, the whole camp saw the wonder that the storm had caused: mighty waters piled high on either side. And before them was a path of dry ground, cutting straight through the Red Sea. Now the Lord commanded them to march along this dry path, through the very midst of the sea.

You may think, '93It didn'92t take much faith for Israel to obey. After all, they were on dry ground.'94 But imagine looking up at those high walls of water. There had to be a Niagara-like amount of pressure behind them. The question now was, would the walls hold? The people probably wondered, '93Lord, you'92ve answered our prayers to this point. You'92ve led us safely this far. But there are dangers still ahead. Will you keep us?'94

At this point, God wanted his people to see that he'92d had a plan in mind for them all along. First, he wanted them to recognize that he'92d been God to them all along the way. He wanted them to know he would never fail them, that he held the entire world (including their enemies) in his all-powerful hands. These people had already experienced his blessings. They'92d seen his promises fulfilled at every stage.

Now here was the greatest test of all. Before them was a path that would lead them to safety. In this crucial moment, God wanted his people to look at those walls and believe he would hold back the water until they arrived safely on the other side.

Simply put, God wanted for his people a faith that declared, '93He who began this miracle for us will finish it. He has already proven to us he'92s faithful.

'93As we look back, we see that all our fears were wasted. We shouldn'92t have been afraid when we saw the Egyptians coming. God put up a supernatural wall of darkness to protect us from them. And we shouldn'92t have been afraid of their threats through the night. The whole time, God provided us with an illuminating light, while our enemies were blinded by darkness. We also wasted our fears on those fierce winds, when all that time God was using them to make our way of escape.

'93We see now that God desires only to do good to us. We'92ve seen his power and glory on our behalf. And now we'92re determined to no longer live in fear. It doesn'92t matter to us if those walls of water collapse. Live or die, we are the Lord'92s. And we are in his hands at all times. So, let the waves come, if they will. Like our father Abraham, we'92re looking for a city whose builder and maker is God.'94

There was a reason God wanted this kind of faith for Israel at this point. They were about to face a journey through the wilderness. They would endure deprivation, danger and suffering. So he said, '93I want my people to know I'92ll do them only good. I don'92t want them to be afraid they'92re going to die every time they face danger. I want a people who aren'92t afraid of death, because they know I'92m trustworthy in all things.'94

There was never an instant when God was going to let down those walls of water. And he wanted the people'92s trust now, on this side of the sea. That way, when they came out safely on the other side, it would be in his rest. He wanted true worshippers, people who could praise him at all times, in all situations.

You see, a true worshipper isn'92t someone who dances after the victory is won. It isn'92t the person who sings God'92s praises once the enemy has been vanquished. That'92s what the Israelites did. Once they arrived on the other side, they sang and danced, praised God and extolled his greatness. Yet, three days later, these same people murmured bitterly against God, at Marah. These weren'92t worshippers '97 they were shallow shouters. They hadn'92t learned their loving Father'92s nature in their time of difficulty. They didn'92t grasp the love of their Almighty Lord in the midst of their storm.

A true worshipper is one who has learned to trust God in the storm. This person'92s worship isn'92t just in his words, but in his way of life. His soul is at rest at all times, because his trust in God'92s faithfulness is unshakable. He isn'92t afraid of the future, because he'92s no longer afraid to die.

Gwen and I saw such unshakable faith in our granddaughter, Tiffany. Sitting at her bedside in her final days, we beheld in Tiffany a peace that surpassed all our understanding. She told me, '93Grandpa, I want to go home. I'92ve seen Jesus, and he told me he wants me to be there. I just don'92t want to be here anymore.'94 Our twelve-year-old Tiffany had lost all fear of death and deprivation.

That is the rest God wants for his people. It'92s a confidence that says, like Paul, and like Tiffany, '93Live or die, I am the Lord'92s.'94 This is what makes a true worshipper.

I pray that all who read this message can say in the midst of their storm: '93Yes, the economy may collapse. Yes, I may still be facing a dark, stormy night. But God has proven himself faithful to me. No matter what comes, I will rest in his love for me.'94

By: David Wilkerson