Title: Routines, Ruts, & Revolutions
Opening:
This quote is often attributed to the genius of Albert Einstein. Before him, art critics and psychological theorists had recognized the idea. However, it seems that the true origin of the saying in its most often quoted form is from a person at an Al-Anon meeting held in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1981.
When the twelve steps were read at the meeting:
Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable.
Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
One of the attendees at the meeting hesitated to accept the accuracy of the second step. She was unwilling to admit that she needed to be 'restored to sanity.' As she adamantly maintained that she had never reached a point of insanity, another wife of an alcoholic who had come to understand her codependent role in her husband's alcoholism remarked, 'Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.' These wise words remind me of ancient Israel's wilderness wanderings.
Scripture Reading: Please open your Bibles with me to Deuteronomy 2:1-3. Let's read together:
'Then we turned back and set out toward the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea, as the Lord had directed me. For a long time we made our way around the hill country of Seir. Then the Lord said to me, "You have made your way around this hill country long enough; now turn north."
Background on Deuteronomy 2:1-3 (6 minutes): The book of Deuteronomy is a record of a sermon that Moses gave to Israel on the eve of their movement from frustration and failure to fruition and future. The opening verses of the first chapter tell us that Moses is speaking to them on the threshold of their next step into possessing everything that God had promised their ancestors. They are camped in the plains of Moab and they can see over the Jordan River into the land of Canaan, the Promise Land. They are still technically "in the wilderness" (Deut 1:1).
They have come through a long, difficult journey from Egypt – made even longer and more difficult because of their unbelief and the death of the adult generation that first came out of Egypt. Moses doesn't want them to repeat their previous forty years, so he reminds them of the unbelief that has kept them stuck for most of the forty years. He tells them about the events of Mount Horeb. He begins recounting how God had told them, "You have stayed in the area of this mountain long enough. Head out and resume your journey..."
Israel's wilderness journeys are typical of human nature. We can get into a rut. Thirty-eight years of spinning their wheels. It reminds me of the man who lay at the pool of Bethesda for thirty-eight years. He had excuses; many of them were legitimate. But, Jesus didn't ask about any of those things. He just asked if he wanted to be made whole. We can't be whole wandering in circles.
God called Israel to get unstuck, move on, and go forward. They had wandered in the wilderness for thirty-eight years, and now was the time to break free from their rut and step into the promises God had for them.
Movement 1: Routines (15 minutes)
Introduction to Routines (3 minutes): Routines are powerful. They provide structure and stability in our lives. Spiritually, routines like prayer, Bible study, and worship can draw us closer to God. Naturally, routines can help us stay organized and productive.
Connection to Israel (5 minutes): In Deuteronomy 2:1-3, we see that the Israelites had been following a routine of wandering around the hill country of Seir. This routine of daily travel and survival had been their way of life for many years. From the time they left Egypt, they had established routines: gathering manna every morning, observing the Sabbath, and following the cloud by day and the fire by night. These routines were crucial for their survival and their relationship with God.
Illustrations (7 minutes):
• Spiritual Routine: Consider the example of a daily prayer routine. I know a brother in Christ who starts his day at 5 AM with prayer and Bible reading. This discipline has transformed his life, giving him peace and direction every morning.
• Natural Routine: Think about a morning exercise routine. Just as physical exercise strengthens our bodies, spiritual exercises strengthen our faith. Consistent routines keep us healthy and focused.
• Biblical Example: The daily gathering of manna is a perfect example (Exodus 16:4-5). Every morning, the Israelites collected manna, following God's instructions to gather only what they needed for the day. This routine taught them dependence on God for their daily sustenance and reinforced their faith in His provision. It was a daily practice that kept them connected to God and reminded them of His care and faithfulness.
Movement 2: Ruts (15 minutes)
Introduction to Ruts (3 minutes): While routines can be beneficial, they can also become ruts when they no longer serve their purpose. Ruts are negative, repetitive behaviors that trap us in unproductive patterns, preventing growth and progress.
Connection to Israel (5 minutes): In Deuteronomy 2:1-3, God addresses the Israelites' rut: "You have made your way around this hill country long enough; now turn north." Their routine of wandering had become a rut. Instead of moving forward in faith, they complained, doubted, and disobeyed God. Their forty years of wandering were a result of falling into spiritual and physical ruts, circling the same mountain without making progress toward the Promised Land.
Illustrations (7 minutes):
• Personal Rut: Let me share a story of a man who struggled with addiction. He was stuck in a cycle of destructive behavior, unable to break free. It wasn’t until he sought help and embraced new, healthier routines that he experienced freedom and transformation.
• Spiritual Rut: Sometimes, we can get stuck in a rut with our spiritual practices. We go through the motions without truly engaging with God. This can lead to a stagnant faith. But remember, God calls us to a living, active relationship with Him.
• Biblical Example: In Numbers 14:26-35, the Israelites’ constant grumbling and disbelief caused them to wander in the desert for forty years. They were trapped in a rut of negativity and disobedience, which prevented them from entering the Promised Land.
Movement 3: Revolutions (15 minutes)
Introduction to Revolutions (3 minutes): Revolutions are significant changes that disrupt harmful routines and lead to new beginnings. They require faith, courage, and a willingness to embrace God’s new directions for our lives.
Connection to Israel (5 minutes): In Deuteronomy 2:1-3, God’s command to "turn northward" was a call to revolution. It was a directive to break free from their rut and move toward their destiny. This was a moment of transformation for the Israelites. They had to leave behind the comfort of their routine and step out in faith to possess the land God had promised them.
Illustrations (7 minutes):
• Personal Revolution: I know a woman who felt called to start a ministry. She was comfortable in her job, but God was nudging her to do something new. She stepped out in faith, left her job, and started a ministry that now impacts hundreds of lives. Her revolution brought her into a new season of purpose and fulfillment.
• Spiritual Revolution: Revivals are powerful examples of spiritual revolutions. Think about the Azusa Street Revival in the early 1900s, which sparked a global Pentecostal movement. It was a time of breaking free from traditional religious routines and embracing the Holy Spirit’s power in a new way.
• Biblical Example: The crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land is a profound example of revolution (Joshua 3). After wandering for forty years, the Israelites faced a significant change. They had to step into the river in faith, trusting God to lead them into a new territory. This act marked the end of their wilderness journey and the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship with God.
Incorporate Quote (Eugene Peterson) (7 minutes): As Eugene Peterson aptly puts it in A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, "Obedience is not a stodgy plodding in the ruts of religion, it is a hopeful race toward God’s promises." This quote reminds us that our journey with God is dynamic and forward-moving. It’s not about staying stuck in routines or ruts but eagerly pursuing the promises God has for us. Obedience involves stepping out in faith, ready to embrace the revolutions God brings into our lives.
Conclusion (3 minutes):
Summarize Key Points (2 minutes): Today, we’ve looked at the importance of routines, the danger of ruts, and the transformative power of revolutions. Deuteronomy 2:1-3 shows us that God calls us to evaluate our lives, recognize when we’re stuck, and have the courage to step into new directions.
Call to Action (1 minute): I challenge each of you to examine your routines. Are there areas in your life where routines have become ruts, hindering your growth and relationship with God? It’s time to break free from those ruts. Let’s seek God’s guidance and embrace the revolutions He wants to bring into our lives. Step out in faith, knowing that obedience to God’s leading will always lead us toward His promises.
