How should we respond when God sends guidance through others, as in 1 Chronicles 21:20? Setting the Scene in 1 Chronicles 21:20 “Now Ornan turned and saw the angel, and his four sons who were with him hid themselves; but Ornan continued threshing wheat.” • God reveals His judgment angel publicly. • Ornan (Araunah) instantly recognizes a heavenly messenger, pauses his work, and quickly yields when King David arrives with God-given instructions (vv. 21-23). God Often Speaks Through Human Channels • Prophets: Nathan confronted David (2 Samuel 12:1-7). • Mentors: Eli helped Samuel discern God’s voice (1 Samuel 3:8-9). • Ordinary believers: Ananias guided Saul after his Damascus encounter (Acts 9:10-17). • Scripture affirms this pattern: “Plans succeed through good counsel; do not wage war without wise advice.” (Proverbs 20:18). Healthy Responses When Guidance Arrives 1. Recognize the Source • Ornan “saw the angel,” acknowledging divine origin before human authority. • 1 Thessalonians 2:13—receive the message “not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God.” 2. Cultivate Reverence, Not Panic • Ornan’s sons hide, yet Ornan remains steady. Respectful fear keeps us attentive (Proverbs 9:10). 3. Submit With Humility • He offers the threshing floor and oxen freely (1 Chronicles 21:23). • James 4:6—“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 4. Act Generously • Ornan’s immediate willingness models open-handed obedience (2 Corinthians 9:7). 5. Align With God’s Word • David insists on paying “full price” (v. 24), guarding against empty sacrifice. • Test every message by Scripture (Acts 17:11). Common Pitfalls to Avoid • Dismissing counsel because the messenger seems ordinary (John 1:45-46). • Delaying obedience—partial or postponed compliance still equals disobedience (Jonah 1:3). • Letting fear paralyze rather than prompt surrender (Matthew 14:30). Practical Steps for Today • Stay Scripture-saturated so you can discern true guidance. • Invite trustworthy believers to speak into your life; God often confirms direction through multiple witnesses (2 Corinthians 13:1). • Respond promptly—pray, act, adjust plans. Delay can forfeit blessing. • Offer your “threshing floor”: resources, time, reputation—whatever God requests. • Remember: obedience opens the door for God’s greater purposes, just as Ornan’s floor became the future temple site (2 Chronicles 3:1). |
    |