“OK, Lord, You Have My Attention…”
When I was 16 and dating Bobby, we went to a revival meeting with Evangelist A.A. Allen. He was a “fire and brimstone” preacher, and I loved his preaching. He did not “cut any slack,” and neither did he “water-down” anything, as many do today in churches. He preached it “just like it was.” One night, he was ministering on a message that had been preached before by Evangelist Jack Coe. The message was, “God Will Burn Your Barley Fields.” The story comes from 2 Samuel 14:28-33. Absalom, the son of King David, had committed a horrible sin and had been expelled by his father. Absalom wants to make amends with his father, but he has to go through Joab, King David’s main soldier and right-hand man. Absalom calls for Joab several times, but Joab is not listening… he doesn’t even like Absalom. So, he ignores him. Absalom calls for him a second time and Joab is not responding. So Absalom tells his servants, “Go and set fire to Joab’s barley fields, which are near mine.”
That big burning barley field “really got Joab’s attention.” He was so angry with Absalom, but Absalom said, “I sent for you once and you didn’t come, and then twice, and you did not listen. So to get your attention, I set fire to your barley fields.” Joab got the message. He went and spoke to the King on behalf of Absalom, and got permission for Absalom to see his father. Sometimes, God speaks to us and we do not listen. (For example, go to your neighbor and tell him that you are sorry, or go the extra mile and give some money to that person in need.) When we do not listen, God knows how to “get our attention,” and it may be something that is hard to accept. When we hear the “still, small voice,” it is better to say, “Speak Lord, for your servant heareth.” That’s much better than a “burning barley field.” Have a great day, and learn to be still and listen to His Voice. Sherry