Author: hopebroker

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My sleepy routine.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord; therefore, I obey your instructions.” Psalm‬ ‭119‬:‭55‬ ‭NLT‬‬

David’s nighttime routine has become my own sleepy-time moment at night. Time changes, aging, stressful days, racing mind and strange body aches all contributed to me being a little fearful of nite-nite time! This ancient Psalm was the best way to take back my brain while thanking God for what I have, whose I am and who is really in control!

My day ends with GRATITUDE and my sleep begins with THANKFULNESS. I remember Robin telling me our kids were far more willing to talk about things that were bothering them just before they went to sleep when they were younger. The veil between our thoughts and our conscience becomes thinner, revealing fears and worries as well as highlights about our day.

For me, each evening ends with a little review of what’s on my mind, which yields moments of confession. It concludes with thanking God for all he has done in my life. Thanking him for my family, friends and my calling to use the gifts he has given me. Each night specifically doing what David wrote in the Psalms – reflecting on who God is and how I can listen and obey him.

I have often wondered what people do when they have to carry their wrongs, guilt and sin into each evening with no relief from their own failures. No wonder so many struggle with sleep! Of course, our physical and emotional health are huge reasons for lacking a good nights sleep. But it’s as if our soul needs these final moments of release – not to speak to some universal entity, but to the living God and creator of all things!

Prayer

​Dad,
When I review my day, my week, my life, I see your hand of grace and guidance everywhere! Instead of my heart being filled with doubts, it is filled with gratitude. You are so, so good. Thank you for all you have done, and for each night that comes with peaceful rest.

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Celebrate Belonging.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” “Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭17‬-‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus followers get back together after being sent out to do exactly what Jesus had been doing – heal the sick, kick out demons, and declare the Kingdom of God. In this debrief, the disciples were ecstatic to discover that demons obeyed them… when they used Jesus name. This idea of accessible power through Jesus to deal with spiritual powers that ensnared and terrified humans, seriously impressed them. And, why wouldn’t it! The crazy discovery that all those amazing supernatural moments Jesus displayed power over elements (water to wine), over sickness, over nature (wind & waves), as well as demons would be available to them simply through faith and declaration of Jesus’ true nature of being God. It had them buzzing with excitement. Look what we can do, Jesus. But Jesus doesn’t allow them to focus nor celebrate for long.

Jesus says something so profound, so chilling that we still have a hard time understanding and processing what he said. “Be excited because your names made the list!” Have you ever made a reservation at your favorite restaurant, the kind that needs a reservation to eat there? Oftentimes, I use OpenTable because it’s quick and easy – plus, it reminds me of the time and place, putting it all in my digital calendar. Okay, it makes me feel smart and efficient – neither of which are my best attributes 🤭. When we arrive, they ask you… do you have a reservation? I would feel uneasy in the moment, if I had not followed the social rules of understanding what their posh services offered. I say “yes,” and give them my name. They look over their list, find my name, and look up. Their face lights up with a smile that says – welcome, you belong here. I’ve seen shows or movies that take it even further. If someone’s Father is a regular, a patron of the place, it’s even more bougie! Each server on duty is trained to know who their son or daughter is upon walking in the door. The perks are all setup to welcome them with an automatic reservation at their favorite table.

The point is this; which is better, bossing around a low-life, rebellious demon, heading to Gehenna, who cares nothing for you? Or Jesus greeting you at the gates of heaven with a hug and a huge smile, saying “welcome, we’ve been waiting for you!” Would I swap out my position of belonging to Jesus, belonging in heaven, for a few lousy moments of power over some pathetic creature whose only passion is torturing defenseless human souls? The evil spirits are forced to come under the authority of Jesus. We, as adopted sons and daughters, are given rights, position and even power because we are Gods – we belong to Him. Jesus is right, it is so much better to celebrate that belonging in comparison to making demons scurry back to their defeated master.

Prayer

​Dad,
Belonging to you as a son is far better than bossing demons around! I’ve seen the arrogance that comes with those who become good at casting out demons. It did something to them, when they became comfortable exercising that authority given by you. I would not want to get used to that kind of power. I’ll take the power of belonging over excising demons every time! Thank you for my name being written in Your book. Thank you for knowing who has rescued me, redeemed me and adopted me into the Kingdom.

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Slave to all.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

How committed does one have to be to write something like this? In one moment, one episode of loving confrontation, Jesus asked Paul – WHY?

In his arrogance, in his religious fervor, in his laser-focused ideology, Paul was persecuting Jesus! In Paul’s infamous timeout, Jesus blinds him so that he might see! At 30 years old Paul had a midlife crisis of faith, figuring out that he had been on the wrong team. Then at 50, Paul writes this most humbling statement, focusing on who he had become and the most powerful, effective way to share the gospel of Christ – becoming less not more. To place himself under others, not over them.

To the Jews, he came under the Law. To the Gentiles, he came under grace. To those broken and weak, he also became weak. Paul was imprisoned three times, officially, but likely even more that were not noted in scripture. Paul lived the second half of his life totally opposite of the first half.

He concludes with why he would live this way. Paul writes, “I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.” (vs 22-23). Isn’t that how we should be living our life as well? Paul isn’t saying to live like a religious snob to reach those enslaved to legalism. And he doesn’t promote living like a degenerate to reach those with no morality. He finds what we share in common as a human – we are all flawed! It was exactly that posture that allowed him to speak into the lives of the religious, the common, and the Roman rulers.

For us, who still read these words inspired by the Holy Spirit and given to the churches in Corinth, we can learn a major lesson that Jesus himself taught, “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.” (Matthew 20:26-27). Paul didn’t just learn Jesus’ words… he lived them!

Prayer

​Dad,
The more time I spend in your Word, the more I am convinced that I know far more scriptures than I am willing to put into practice. Like this one, where Paul demonstrated humility to the most image conscious church at that time! Help me, help us O Lord be doers of your Word, not just hearers. Help us live low lives so that your gospel would be powerful in its presentation.

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Negotiating with God

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Then the Sovereign Lord showed me another vision. I saw him preparing to punish his people with a great fire. The fire had burned up the depths of the sea and was devouring the entire land. Then I said, “O Sovereign Lord, please stop or we will not survive, for Israel is so small.” Then the Lord relented from this plan, too. “I will not do that either,” said the Sovereign Lord.” ‭‭Amos‬ ‭7‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I know God loves and listens to me, but I don’t know what it would take to bargain with the Holy, Righteous Creator of all things! The Jewish people had a knack for negotiating and it came from their bargaining ethics that advocate for integrity and fairness in all business interactions. These principles guide individuals to conduct negotiations in a manner that respects both the letter and spirit of the law. They call it “Kiddush Hashem,” the sanctification of the Name. The act of glorifying God’s name through one’s actions. For example, we think of God’s Laws as the big 10 commandments, but for orthodox Jews, there are actually 613 commandments which continued to expand into the New Testament to over 1,500 commands. The deep level of specificity boggles my mind.

My point; Amos sees has no fear, confidently telling God he has a problem with His punishment. And, Amos had already had this discussion with God over the swarm of locust devouring all the crops, saying, we are too small to survive that! Similarly here, except this time it would be devouring FIRE 🔥. Amos said, Lord, we won’t survive that either.

God relented (nacham: To comfort, to repent, to relent). The root word of nacham is to sigh deeply. What is going on here? God knows Israel’s size. God even knows that Amos would plead on the people’s behalf. More critically, God knows Israel will continue to sin. These passages deal with a difficult, but necessary understanding of God’s character. God is fully, completely just, right and true – full stop. But, God is also merciful and long suffering, fully capable, yet compassionate! That seems impossible for us as humans to comprehend let alone emulate. Yet it is 💯 true.

The other part is easier for us to understand – God hears the humble pleas of a prayer of the prophet – “please stop.” And in these moments we see that God not only hears, but responds to this idea of intercession from the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man. God relents, He pauses to recognize the voice of an advocate! We know by reading the rest of the story, that God eventually delivered the full justice as He had promised. But it’s in this delay, we see God waiting for someone to stand in the way of the path of justice to make a case for mercy. How beautiful is that?

These mini-episodes are all throughout the Old Testament pointing forward for a final enactment of justice, where God’s true and righteous punishment is poured out on the one and only advocate that will take all the sins of humanity upon himself as the perfect sacrifice for all who come under his own blood payment for us. The final outpouring of justice is still forthcoming. The only way to access God’s mercy this time will not be a righteous and humble prophet like Amos, or any of the other prophets. The mercy of forgiveness will only be for those who chose to follow the one worthy – full of perfection and fulfillment of justice – that is Jesus. Paul, wrote in 2 Corinthians 6:2, quoting Isaiah, “Today is the day of salvation.” My interpretation…now’s the time to negotiate with God for His mercy. When all things come to an end, it will be too late.

Prayer

​Dad,
My past, present and future were all settled when I said YES to following you all the days of my life. Jesus as my advocate is all I need to find the mercy I needed. And now is the time for me to pray, asking you for mercy for my friends, family and even our nation. We desperately need you in these days of lawlessness.

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Reaching for position and power.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest. But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to his side. Then he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭46‬-‭48‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus’ closest friends, his disciples, his future Apostles had not only seen all the miracles, they had personally experienced supernatural miracles. Yet, something happened that took them back to a familiar battle of disordered desires of comparison. Like some childish playground rules as old as the first two brothers (Cain & Abel)… they asked – who is better? Who is greater? Jesus, who not only possessed all power and authority over all things, but actively displayed this power over demons, sickness, wind, wave and even death itself, had to deal with this head on.

When the disciples started arguing about position and greatness, they mistakenly believed their affiliation and proximity to Jesus to be an entitled promotion to power. But Jesus doesn’t see position or power the way they saw it. In a very Jesus-style moment, he reaches for someone to make the point.

He brings a little child close to him, inviting the child to help him create an object lesson for the grownup adults. Jesus says, “Anyone who welcomes (receives) a little one like this, on my behalf welcomes me.” And further, it makes sense that when you receive a little one, you receive me, thus you receive God himself! Jesus isn’t talking about salvation, he’s talking about our status, our social standing, our positions of authority and power!

When the disciples were arguing about greatness and comparing themselves to each other, Jesus was getting them to reframe the picture. Don’t reach for others of whom you consider to be equal to or better than for comparison. No, reach for innocence, openness, curiosity, wonder and humility. Like a little child!

When the Pharisees reached for position or power they reached for status, strict rules, and even a rock to throw at someone clearly worthless to them. When the disciples started arguing, they reached for position as well! Peter, reaching for power in the garden, grabbed a sword and whacked off a temple guard’s ear. Notice the things Jesus reached for. Having every right to high position and authority, Jesus reached for a little child. Having all power over all things, Jesus reached for a towel to serve, washing his own disciples feet, possibly even his own betrayer, Judas! Jesus did not reach up for position or power, he reached down to serve and love. Ultimately, Jesus reached for the cross that became power over his own death. And rising from the dead, he gave us the power of his resurrection. We will never be more prominent than the moment we anonymously step into serving someone seemingly invisible. We will never be more powerful than the moment we leverage our strength to lift or shield the weak. In the opposite, right side up, Kingdom of God, being least is being the greatest.

Prayer

​Dad,
The power and position dynamics of this world is VERY different than your Kingdom! Comparing ourselves to anything other than you and maybe the innocence of a child will always lead to grief or grudges. Help me to always reach down or over to properly remove any disordered desire of arrogance or pride. I am only what I am because of your grace and mercy.

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God don’t need no guns.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“So a message was sent to the king of Assyria: “The people you have sent to live in the towns of Samaria do not know the religious customs of the God of the land. He has sent lions among them to destroy them because they have not worshiped him correctly.” ‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭17‬:‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Yeah, God sent lions! I’ve been thinking about how God led His people in the Old Testament and how God warns and corrects His own people as well as every powerful leader of the ancient world.

When we think about God leading it might seem that He does so gently, even subtly. Truth is, God led Israel, coming out of Egypt, with two of the most powerful destructive forces on Earth. Of the basic elements of nature: earth, air, fire, and water. God used wind and fire to lead His people and water to judge the Egyptians. Even in modern times, even if humankind has mastered both sea and sky, we still fear wind, water and fire! Does God still use these elements to judge?

In the Old Testament, I’ve read about giant holes that swallow complainers and dissidents. I’ve read about bears that devour young mockers. I’ve read about the big ten extraordinarily miserable plagues to push Pharaoh into doing right. And, sure there have been amazing stories of other wild beasts mentioned, like whales, leviathans, dogs, lions and bears – even a talking donkey (not played by Eddie Murphy). All the while, I never noticed that God sent lions to eat people because of disobedience! It made me think of the 1996 movie called, “The Ghost and the Darkness,” where Val Kilmer and Michael Douglas were hired to kill a pair of Tsavo man-eaters, during the building of the Uganda-Mombasa Railway in East Africa in 1898.

God sent several lion prides to bring judgment and send a strong message to the Assyrian king – “I’ve let you capture my people and even allowed you to have other nations live among them – but they better not mess with the way I have commanded my people to worship me!” What! God is wild and will not be tamed, and there are things He just will not tolerate. Who’s really in control? This powerful king of Assyria, Shalmaneser V, would find out who is really in charge of all the affairs on this dark third planet from the sun.

With all the forces of the earth at God’s disposal, He doesn’t need men, guns, missiles or drones. One little 6.0 tremor in Afghanistan resulted in a death toll of over 2,205 people, with thousands more injured. I’m not saying it was God’s judgement. I wouldn’t pretend to assume to know the why behind any loss of life. But talk about the raw power God has at his disposal. Any of us, any world leader who thinks they have full authority and power to rule as they please is just delusional! God was merciful enough to warn Shalmaneser and the king responded accordingly. “The king of Assyria then commanded, “Send one of the exiled priests back to Samaria. Let him live there and teach the new residents the religious customs of the God of the land.” So one of the priests who had been exiled from Samaria returned to Bethel and taught the new residents how to worship the Lord.” 2 Kings‬ ‭17‬:‭27‬-‭28‬. Oh how funny Shalmaneser was, “the God of the land…” He is God of ALL lands! The “new” residents brought in the most detestable, wicked behaviors – “the people from Sepharvaim even burned their own children as sacrifices to their gods Adrammelech and Anammelech,” God had warned and set the Assyrian king and His own people straight on who is really in charge!

Prayer

It is still very surprising to me that even a quick summary reading of who you are wouldn’t put some fear or respect in the hearts and mind of folks here on earth. So many have really done well at fooling themselves into believing you don’t even exist, let alone are the just judge of all the earth and all human affairs on the planet. Their biggest error is they think they have gotten away with it – mistaking both mercy and your providential purposes for proof that they are untouchable. I am just thankful that I know you and belong to you. Even in my sin, I would never be so arrogant to pretend you would let me get away anything contrary to Your Word! Thank you for grace. And may those who seek you find mercy and yield to Your will.

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Afraid to ask?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“While everyone was marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, “Listen to me and remember what I say. The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies.” But they didn’t know what he meant. Its significance was hidden from them, so they couldn’t understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭43‬b-‭45‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There are so many hard things to understand throughout the scriptures. I am constantly reminded that God’s ways and thoughts are above mine. Meaning, my lens will be blurred until Jesus clears it in heaven. But even then, God will still forever be beyond our thoughts.

The irony of Luke’s observations are worth noting, when we may ponder, “why couldn’t the disciples just see it!” Luke writes, “While everyone was marveling…” Miracles were happening all around them. The amazing outdoor picnic where Jesus feeds 5000 families. The mountaintop chat with Moses and Elijah. The expulsion of a demon out of a child. The disciples minds were constantly being blown away in awe and wonder. Luke writes, at the “megaleios,” majesty of God!

Then Jesus tells them, “I’m going to be betrayed and handed over.” Like falling down a flight of stairs, looking up and wondering how you’re still alive – the disciples minds were instantly tied into tiny knots! What just happened? What changed? And, why now? They had no idea what Jesus was talking about. Their lives, their future now clear as mud.

Luke remarked, “it was purposely “parakaluptó” veiled.” This tumultuous twister of events, these whiplash moments left them “phobeó” full of fear. Have you felt frozen by the chaotic changes around you? This fear left them unable to ask Jesus, “what are you talking about… what is happening right now?” Fear of uncertainty is paralyzing. And we desperately want to ask the questions of clarity! Yet, we don’t know what, who or how to ask. We’re stuck and it’s painfully debilitating. What do we do when we are stuck, afraid and uncertain?

Our only choice is to focus on what we do know and move our hearts towards trusting God who knows all. When we can’t see, don’t understand and feel trapped by fear, it’s not questions that will help us, it’s declaration of who will help us. Sure, we can and should ask God, ask trusted friends and family. But it is likely there will not be any clear answers because of the way things have to unfold. Jesus told them he was going to die. But the how, when, where and who would have to wait within the sequence of time that God had ordained to take place. From our perspective, our lens, things will not make any sense! Oh, what strange fantasies take place when folks try to explain the unexplainable of the future! The only smart choice is not to guess, worry or stay frozen in fear, but to trust and obey God who knows all things and makes all things work out well.

The disciples, staying close to Jesus, found out what God was up to as He unfolded the events just as they needed to be. I think most folks think they want to know their future. It’s sad to see people dabble in darkness with palm readers, seances, tea leaves, horoscopes and wiccan practices. God has definitely shown some people their future, but I’ve seen it drive em a little crazy still not knowing the details. I knew what God called me to as a teenager, but there was no way that alone was going to predict the different assignments within that calling that God had for me. Honestly… I’m glad He didn’t show me! God knows, so it means I need to stay close to Him no matter what. This makes Paul’s words in Romans 8:28 so powerful in times of chaos, confusion or conflict. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Prayer

​Dad,
This whole dynamic of wanting to know, wanting to understand and make sense out of the things that happen in life compared to trusting you is tough. You created us to be solvers and fixers so it comes with this tension. I’m pretty sure it all has to do with faith. Trusting you above and beyond what we see, feel or experience. I also know that sin plays a huge role in our fears and doubts. Your redemption means that we can have Your peace even in difficult times of waiting or silence. Thank you for your mercy and patience as we learn to depend on you.

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Disciplinary Invasions?

Reading Time: 2 minutes

”When the Lord saw their change of heart, he gave this message to Shemaiah: “Since the people have humbled themselves, I will not completely destroy them and will soon give them some relief. I will not use Shishak to pour out my anger on Jerusalem. But they will become his subjects, so they will know the difference between serving me and serving earthly rulers.” ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Is it just me or do you also see God consistently using other nations, ungodly nations, to punish Israel when they step out on God. Chronicles tells us, “But when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the Law of the Lord, and all Israel followed him in this sin. Because they were unfaithful to the Lord, King Shishak of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem in the fifth year of King Rehoboam’s reign” ‭‭(2 Chronicles‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬).

How often was this pattern repeated? Six times in the period of the Judges, four times in the period of the monarchy and several smaller skirmishes throughout the Old Testament.

So, do we, should we, view modern day wars, invasions or terrorist attacks in the same light? Given the fact that Jesus’ death and resurrection, was a defining redemption moment, does that change the way God uses one nation or group to discipline other nations? Sounds dark and morbid, but I am curious.

There are a few who have preached or written about this idea, but each one admits, unlike in the Old Testament, we lack clear prophetic insight today. It makes speculation very dangerous, highly controversial and often condemned as insensitive. I find many of the patterns and purposes of God, that are clearly His hand at work, are very difficult to carry into the New Testament and into today’s modern times. In fact, many of the known travesties, like Herod’s slaughter of the infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16–18, tied to Jeremiah 31:15) shows how prophecy can foretell events without those events being God’s disciplinary act toward Israel as a nation.

In fact, most modern wars, even genocides, are more about human evil within God’s sovereignty! Which is even more difficult to understand. Jesus told us that end times would include suffering, but it has nothing to do with covenant judgment. In other words: Not every foretold calamity equals discipline.

So when I see unfathomable local and global chaos. When I see increasingly rampant disregard for law, order, civility and peace, I cannot just assign these signs to being disciplined or punished. I must reconcile these times as prophetic – indicating the reminder of end times as Jesus told us. It would be a part of this world’s end. One thing is for sure and is trustworthy to build our lives on. God is ALWAYS right, true and just in all things. That is why I trust in God, my savior!

Prayer

Dad,
These Old Testament stories help me take a much deeper, much broader view of how you are working to bring about the reconciliation and redemption of our world. The common link of making sense out of discipline verses self-afflicted sin, seems to be a warning. The more we try to move away from you, in both law and grace, the more we will determine to selfishly choose evil over truth. Come quickly Lord Jesus!

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Timing is everything.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“Jesus warned his disciples not to tell anyone who he was. “The Son of Man must suffer many terrible things,” he said. “He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The gospels are filled with Jesus performing miracles. Yet Jesus often would tell people, “don’t tell anyone.” It’s commonly called the “Messianic Secret.” Isn’t the best part of experiencing a miracle talking about it?

Here in Luke 9, but also in Matthew 16:20 and Mark 8:30, Jesus reveals who he is and what will happen to himself in the near future. I believe these “concealments” have everything to do with timing! If you’ve been walking with Jesus for a while, you begin to see the miracle of the moment. You realize the extraordinary odds of timing as you meet someone, talk with someone or having a note, text or call just happen to take place exactly at the moment of need. All the miracles in the Bible are surrounded by these timely events that must take place in supernatural order. It becomes obvious that these moments are not coincidental, but providential! God orchestrates the most complex timing of events down to the perfect minute. Like Jesus meeting the local samaritan women at the well, outside of town, at noon. That is a precise appointment. And, it took place with Jesus, the disciples and the woman all walking to meet at that moment.

John’s gospel gives us clear hints about why Jesus wanted people not to talk about these experiences so openly. John tells us Jesus said, this phrase several times – my “hour has not yet come” (John 2:4; 7:6, 8, 30). Combined with this perceived secrecy, we have Jesus telling us there is an order to what God is doing. As leaders, we look at principles of momentum and mass, capacity and clarity, but Jesus lives by this “for such a time as this” mindset.

Paul used this beautiful phrase, “the fullness of time.” Wow – isn’t that a deep thought. How can time be full? God is outside of time and his omniscience means that everything is now. There is no then or when! But, Jesus being fully God and fully man, lived within the context of time, where being led by the Spirit of God would pinpoint the accuracy of a miracle moment with perfect precision.

What does mean for us? It means that we can both experience the miracles of God’s moments as well as yield to the Spirit of God to PARTICIPATE in these moments. Have you ever felt like God was doing something supernatural but it just hasn’t happened yet? We cannot step out of time, but we can absolutely step into quick obedience when God directs us to go or speak, wait or pray.

Prayer

​Dad,
It is such a mystery to know that your thoughts are above mine and your ways are beyond my comprehension! Yet, we experience these miraculous moments and you invite us into partnership to be used in them as well. May my faith and courage to be obedient grow like the Apostle Paul said to “take every opportunity,” to see you at work in our lives and other’s lives too. Thank for inviting us to not only walk with you but also work with you in Your Kingdom. That it would be done on earth as it is in heaven!

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Unprecedented Peace

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“The Lord will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Isaiah, writing out God’s prophecies close to 3000 years ago, tells of a future moment where there will be peace among the nations. Scanning the history of the planet over eons of time, this kind of peace would have to be supernatural. Doing a quick search, it seems that historians believe there were some brief couple of centuries of peace. Of course they declared it peaceful because of a few massive global powers that used force to keep it. The first was Rome’s “Pax Romana,” spanning 207 years. There is great book by Tom Holland, called Dominion. Tom believes that Rome was obsessed with law and justice, even to the point of inventing the most hideous means of torture unto death. This sent a message that theft, violence and uprisings would not be tolerated. Crucifixion was perfected by the Romans. In their quest for peace and paradise, they were manipulated into crucifying Christ, who was not only innocent, but he is perfect in all his ways. The second is called “Pax Mongolica” spanning the 13th and 14th centuries. Some would add a third period called, “Pax Britannica,” where British Empire created a 100 year pocket of peace across the globe. All in all, a few hundred years over thousands of years of war, is not much peace. And, none of it was able to last.

Isaiah writes about a peace that will eventually rule and reign from God himself. Isaiah speaks of God’s holy mountain, Jerusalem as the capital of this global peace. We know this has to be futuristic, because Jerusalem has been known for anything but peace. As a global glimmer of hope, Isaiah declares that God will rule and reign over all the earth in all things. Of course God is completely in control of all things and has always been so before creation and time itself. But, God gives free will for humans to govern themselves until the end of days. This is when all things have come to the end, when all things are judged and will come to light. God will bring this unprecedented peace and mediate between nations Himself. No more wars, no more infighting, no more training or preparation for war. God’s peace will rule.

Prayer

​Dad,
With all the wars and rumors of wars there has been a resurgence of fear and hope that the end may be near. In my lifetime, we have not experienced a global war, but there have been conflicts, skirmishes and terrorist attacks around the world. The world is now filled with angry, violent people who spend their time in riots and protests, giving a sense of lawlessness. Peace has been evasive for quite some time. We long for your justice, your judgement, to make all things right. Humankind is not capable of making sustainable peace. We need you!