As I was reading God's Word the other day, I came across a metaphor where God describes a servant as a nail that he will fasten in a sure place. I have read many metaphores where the Lord has described his servants and children. Among them, sheep, and dozens more. But as I read one of my favorite books [Isaiah] one more time, verse [Is: 22:23] drew a vivid picture in my mind as I focused on the word, 'nail'. .
I was reminded of how I saw a rock climber on TV. The rock climber was scaling quite a huge mountain, I dunno where it was but it was a mighty big rock, perhaps the rockies or somewhere in the Southwest. I remember thinking, wow, if those nails ever loosened then that climber would surely fall. This particular climber was almost completely parallel to the ground but he was relying on the nail. But then I read this verse and thought.
If the 'sure place' that God provided his servants is the Church, then all us believers should make sure we are fastened to the Church. I can think of no greater 'sure place' to be fastened onto. But if we were to 'loosen our fasten' and leave the church, how many would fall if we loosened ourselves from it? The truth is, it seems to me, that all of us have people in our lives who are holding onto us like the Rock Climber to that nail. Maybe it's a child, a parent, a wife, a husband, , a friend, a teammate. Maybe it's someone who doesn't even know the Lord but the Lord is using you to draw the person to him.
I don't know but somebody is hanging onto you if you are a believer. And what if you loose your fasten and come out. How many others would fall if you loosened from the Church? Again, I don't know but I know this much, another thought I had when I read this scripture is this....if you drive a nail into a piece of wood and then pull it out....it will leave a scar 100% of the time. If you leave your ministry or Church, how much scaring would it leave behind?
In the past several years I have seen some of God's children come out of the church and alot of hurt people, ministries lost, relationships crushed, etc. I've seen belivers divorce, families split, even things much worse. I'm sure you have seen some also.
To those created in Christ Jesus, standfast. Keep yourselves fastened by relying on the power that God gave his children, the power within, the comforter. I myself need to guard also less I fall. I would rather no one be fastened onto me since I know my heart but my prayer is for me and you to continue standing in the Church like a nail to a 'sure place'. What an interesting verse Isaiah 22:23 is.
Turk Out