Pastor's Corner
March 2010
by Pastor James Dok

He Did Not Lean on Reeds

A story in the Old Testament about one of the prophets chastises a king who has formed a fear-based compromise with the enemy. The prophet warns, "This kind of reed will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it." That image was so powerful it has long stayed in my mind. I can remember many times I choose to lean on reeds. I believe many ills in our society arise because people choose to lean on reeds, even though "reeds will be pulled up before other grass." -Ecclesiastes 40:16. At times all of us are tempted with multiples diversions and delusions about who next or what now can offer us comfort or safety or fulfillment or strength. We are surrounded by a sea of reeds. In Psalm 106:7, David laments, "They defied the Most High at The Sea of Reeds." It is when we are learning on false prophets or promises that we defy and forsake God, our Source.

Jesus could have built a sizable network of support had he compromised with the Scribes and the Pharisees. They were the recognized religious leaders of the time and thus had a near captive following. Yet Jesus knew that although they appeared to be pillars of strength, they were actually thin as reeds and would pierce anyone who tried to lean on them. He chose to stand firmly on his own relationship with God and not "lean on reeds." "I would rather take refuge on Yahweh, than relying on men"; I would rather take refuge in Yahweh, than rely on princes." -Psalm 118:8-9.

We may think, "Here is the job/friend/spouse/lover/career/money/drug/achievement that will make me happy and fulfill all my needs." "Neither to son nor wife, brother nor friend, give power over yourself during your own lifetime . . . As long as you live and there is breath in your body, do not yield power over yourself to anyone." -Ecclesiastes 33:20-24

To lean on a reed is to choose to believe a lie. I know he/she didn't steal that money. (I know he/she isn't cheating on me.)

To lean on a reed is to allow others to define your self-worth. (What if he/she/they don't like me? Where will I be then?)

To lean on a reed is to confuse anyone else with God. (I am so terrified of that man/woman/boss/ parent.)

"Those who serve worthless idols forfeit the grace that was theirs." -Isaiah 2:9. When you lean on others unnecessarily; you are automatically giving up your own balance and power.

When we allow someone else to define us - based on their relationship with God - we are leaning on reeds. When we draw up agreements based on fear, we are leaning on reeds. "If you do not stand by me, you will not stand at all." -Isaiah 7:9.

Jesus did not lean on reeds.

- Pastor James Dok