Dear Praying Friends and praying Saints,

Nine years ago I first wrote about this story of King David's escape from Jerusalem when Absalom tried to supplant his father as king. It has come to mind again lately, and then I received an email referring to it, so felt prompted to share it now as it seems more pertenent to the times we're living in. God's word is a lamp unto our feet.

Among the several dark moments of David's life, this may have been one of the darkest. But the pain and anguish for himself and his faithful followers point towards future events and a coming glory that is as staggering as it is profound.

In 2 Samuel 15, verse 23 says, "And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people crossed over. The king himself also crossed over the Brook Kidron..." And in verse 30 we read, "So David went up by the Ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered and went barefoot. And all the people who were with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went up."

David flees not only for his own safety but also to preserve the lives of all that remain in Jerusalem at the time. Rather than fighting to defend his rightful place, he humbly accepts his defeat and leaves. He seems to recognize the strength of human connivance and politicking and turns the other way.

One thousand years later a remarkably similar story takes place in John 18:1-2. "When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples."

Jesus too recognized that the very human religious "powers that be" had it in for Him, and humbly conceded what was a temporary "defeat" at Calvary. And in so doing He established the glorious and eternal Kingdom towards which David and his kingdom had pointed.

He also shed his tears over this same city. We read in Luke 13:34, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!" And again in Luke 19:41-42, "Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, 'If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.'"

I think what has most deeply affected me in these portions is something that applies to the situation in Christendom today. The organization and procedures of much of the church have tended to limit the active participation of the Holy Spirit in its operations for "practical reasons." These might include keeping to schedules and timing, not wanting to discomfort people by taking too much of their time, etc., etc. 

But over the years these very institutional considerations have produced another "Kidron Brook" over which the Holy Spirit has been obliged to sorrowfully cross, not unlike David or Jesus in their times. One result is that a great many of the traditional churches have shrunk in numbers, and many have closed altogether. There are many others that become evident as we pray and think about this.

To bring this a little closer to home, I know there are parallels in our own lives as well. Each of us in our personal organization of our time and activities have to make practical choices. Are we making time for the Holy Spirit in prayer and in the study of God's word? Are we being sensitive and obedient to His leadings? Or are we unknowingly allowing "Kidron Brooks" to form in our own lives?

I just want to put this out there to encourage us in keeping our "houses" in order. I also want to encourage you to pray that there would be a massive reversal of this trend - that any and all "Kidron Brooks" would be replaced by Rivers of Living Water! And also pray that in our times we would see more and more of God's direct intervention in the lives of men and nations around the globe. The River is rising, and so is the need.

May the Lord bless you with the fullness of the Holy Spirit, and discernment and perseverance for the exciting race that lies before us!

Dick & Gladys