“And let it be, when you hear the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then you shall bestir yourself—for then shall the Lord go out before you, to smite the host of the Philistines.”
II Samuel 5:24
He’s speaking; are you listening?
“As the sound of a rushing mighty wind.”
That’s what the Holy Spirit’s arrival sounded like on Pentecost that day when He came in power upon those assembled (Acts 2:1-4). Some 120 of Jesus’ closest followers had been closed up together for 10 days, praying and “waiting for the promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4, 15-26) after Jesus ascended into Heaven.
They didn’t know what that promise was when they assembled—but they did know they should wait for it. And, then, as only God can prescribe and orchestrate, the Holy Spirit showed up. Their responsibility was waiting and praying; His responsibility was/is sending and stirring.
And stir He did.
“As a rushing mighty wind.”
Did the shutters start banging against the wall? Did the doors suddenly blow open with a bang? Did the worshippers, assembled there “with one accord in one place” (2:1) suddenly feel a mighty blast come swooshing through the room like the blustery arrival of hurricane gale-force winds?
We don’t know; but, one thing was clear:
It was unmistakable and life-changing. . .just as “the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees” was unmistakable and reassuring to David and his men as they prepared for war against their fierce nemesis, the Philistines.
What did that “sound of a going in the treetops” sound like? Was it like the mighty east wind that swooped in that day when God divided the Red Sea? Or did God open Heaven’s window so they could hear the sound of His chariots and mighty army preparing for battle?
Who knows?
In reality, it doesn’t matter; what does matter is that they heard it.
And, dear Pilgrim, if we’ll “be still and know that He is God” (Ps. 46:10), we too will “hear the sound of a rushing mighty wind in the treetops.” All around us are voices of “doom, despair and agony on me.” Likewise, we hear the forlorn cries of the lonely, loveless and oppressed. But, there. . .in the treetops. . .wafting its way to us on the wind. . .is Jesus’ Voice, whispering “Do not fear, My Child. I am with you and will never leave you. Be strong and of good courage. Victory is assured.”
So, be still, weary one—and listen. His Voice is still “walking in the cool of the day,” whispering sweet peace to us (Gen. 3:8; Mt. 11:28-30; Jn. 14:1-3, 27). And, He’s still calling you by name to draw near to Him as you go forth in His Love, calling others to repentance and pointing them to Jesus’ feet. Shhh. . .do you hear it/Him???
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated September 6, 2009
