March 3 - Wax On, Wax Off

 Read today’s texts first: Numbers 32,33; Mark 10

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

Simple obedience, day-to-day faithfulness -
Wax on, wax off - is field training for battle! 

Karate Kid was a classic movie in so many ways, but my favourite part is Miyagi’s training regimen. At first you think the old man is violating child labour laws, getting his deck sanded, his fence painted and his car washed, pretending it has something to do with training “Danielson” for a karate championship. Then, after days of mind-numbing routine, it all comes together: “show me paint the fence, sand the deck, wax on, wax off.”

Israel experienced the same unorthodox training for battle. When you read about their string of victories over experienced Canaanite warriors you may wonder how Israel was so consistently successful in battle. What transformed this community of farmers and builders into an unstoppable fighting force? The answer comes in the next chapter - sort of. It’s a history of their preparation for the conflicts awaiting them in the promised land. It’s a lot like wax on/wax off as they set up/pack up camp over and over again. They were learning the discipline of following the cloud, moving without complaining wherever God led them.

The disciples had to learn the same discipline. Jesus held up a child (eg. the Karate Kid) as their example (10:14-16) - adults tend to struggle with complicated distractions, like hard hearts (10:5), wealth (10:22), and selfish ambition (10:35). Jesus made it clear - if you want to be great, learn to serve. Watch me as I pick up my cross, follow My example, and you’ll be amazed as the powers of heaven move in behind you.

“Lord, thank You for reminding me that simple obedience, day-to-day faithfulness, is the only preparation needed to push back the gates of hell. Wax on, wax off!”