GOD'S EVERLASTING LOVE There are several senses in which the word "height" can be taken, and all of them have profitability. I understand these to involve things that are not sought. They are not aspirations, nor are they things for which the believer longs. These are matters into which we are led by Divine power and purpose. LOFTY CIRCUMSTANCES "Height" can refer to lofty circumstances in which the individual is raised above the norm, and higher than his peers. It can include wealth, honor, or rank. It is possible to come into a situation where unusual honor is put upon us, or we are given responsibilities that far exceed the normal lot of believers. Some examples will suffice to illustrate the possibility of such occurrences. MOSES Moses experienced unusual elevation in two ways. First, prior to being called of God, he "was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds" (Acts 7:22). Second, he was exalted above whole generations, for "the Law came by Moses" (John 1:17). Yet, his lofty positions did not separate him from the love of God. When in Egypt, he was faced with a decision. Of that time it is written, he "refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward" (Heb 11:24-26). Height did not separate him from the love of God. AARON Aaron was chosen of God to be the first high priest of the people. This was a lofty position, indeed. Among the children of Israel, there was none higher, saving for Moses himself. Thus it is written, "For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron" (Heb 5:1-4). JOSEPH Joseph was a rare person, indeed. No sin is recorded against him in Scripture. He was a person who experienced both height and depth in an unusual degree. From the prison of Pharaoh he was exalted to the second highest position in the land. His position was so significant that Pharaoh said to him, "See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt . . . I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt" (Gen 41:41-44). Yet, in humble faith, he gave the glory to God. "God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive" (Gen 50:20). Height did not separate him from the love of God! DANIEL Daniel had high political influence under the reign of four different kings. Nebuchadnezzar made him "a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon" (Dan 2:48). Belshazzar "clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom" (Dan 5:29). Daniel continued to be a superior counselor "even unto the first year of king Cyrus" the Persian (Dan 10:1). During the reign of Darius the Mede Daniel "stood to confirm and to strengthen him" (Dan 11:1). CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES "Height" can also be challenging circumstances that require more strength and ability than we have by nature. David spoke of his own determination not to exercise himself in "matters too high for me" (Psa 131:1). That was not his aspiration. He spoke of knowledge that was "too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it" (Psa 139:6). SUBLIME EXPERIENCES There are sublime spiritual experiences that can neither be accounted for nor expressed in human words and wisdom. Paul spoke of one such experience, declaring it to have been transcendent to all human ability. "I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter" 2 Cor 12:2-4). Yet, this lofty experience did not bring about a separation from God's love, or contribute to pride. Of the occasion Paul sad, "Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities" (2 Cor 12:5). Height did not separate him from the love of God. – Tomorrow:
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: 'For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.' Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35-39, NKJV)
"For I am persuaded that neither . . . height . . . shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Later, after he had received the Law, was its mediator, and led the people of God, it was said of him, "Moses was faithful in all his house" (Heb 3:2). His faith kept him, and thus the heights to which he was raised did not separate him from the love of God. These were not things to which he aspired, but things of which he was made a steward.
Later, in tribute to the faithful execution of the office of high priest, the Scriptures refer to "Aaron the saint of the LORD" (Psa 106:216). His exaltation did not separate him from the love of God.
Yet, throughout this period of time Daniel was "greatly beloved" in heaven (Dan 10:11). High places did not separate him from the love of God.
Yet, when, as a mere boy, he faced the giant Goliath, faith made him equal to the occasion. Too, he was given to see aspects of the Lord and His will that few people have seen to this very day. "Height" did not separate him from the love of God.
Some people have drawn back from exalted spiritual experiences, or positions of great authority, thinking they will of themselves drive a wedge between them and God. However, when God leads people into such high places, they will not be able to separate them from the love of God.
PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ I thank You that where You lead me, Your love keeps me.