Tag: War

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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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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!

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Read the season.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“You have rejected us, O God, and broken our defenses. You have been angry with us; now restore us to your favor. You have shaken our land and split it open. Seal the cracks, for the land trembles. You have been very hard on us, making us drink wine that sent us reeling. But you have raised a banner for those who fear you— a rallying point in the face of attack.” Psalms‬ ‭60‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

David writes the song, “Lilly of the Testimony.”

War, war, war and more war – this is one of the major themes of how God either showed His favor or displeasure with Israel. So many wars! Israel wins, God is for them. Israel loses and clearly God used other nations to discipline them. Can you even imagine that battle barometer being used today? Don’t we view war as a straight up attack from Satan lashing out on nations, killing, maiming and displacing the innocent around the globe?

David clearly knew how to read the times and lay the responsibility on God himself. Other than Job and a few other references, Satan is a minor figure in the Old Testament. Fact: The Old Testament emphasizes God’s sovereignty over all nations and events, including wars. God is often depicted as orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes. Satan is primarily seen as an accuser or adversary rather than a direct instigator of war. Is it just me, or do we clearly see war differently today? Oh, we give the nod of sovereignty to God, but oooooh it’s the devil that makes men go mad and drive rulers to evil. When nations attacked Israel, David knew – 100% it was God talking. This song/psalm was one of victory where David’s bloody general, Joab, wiped out 12,000 Edomites. That was just one war out of HUNDREDS.

I am so not qualified to even begin to understand the context of global wars today. But I do know they are very controversial, and in the U.S. folks are super opinionated about these complicated issues. Like we don’t have enough issues of our own 🤪. Every one of these wars go back to deep and divisive conflicts that are older than our country’s existence! It is so arrogant of us to think we have a solution. David was wise enough to go to the source, the truth of God in His justice and judgment. Whose banner did David wave? He said God raised the banner on behalf of those who fear Him. Those who humbly admit their guilt, followed by repentance. That’s what God still wants from us today!

There’s an old song I remember from my youth. It had a line in it that asked this question – “Who’s side are you leaning on?” The song response is “I’m leaning on the Lord’s side!” Truth in such simplicity. Discovering and discerning the times, we can be like David and read the season by starting with God. This would be such a reprieve from all the noise and confusion. For us to hear from God and listen – instead of giving our attention to world leaders and protesters attempting to ferret out the truth.

Prayer

​Dad,
It is psalms like this where I see David’s wisdom of seeking you, understanding what he had done, and quickly humbling himself in repentance. That’s a pattern I can subscribe to. It seems silly for us to try to mentally meddle or verbally engage in global affairs just to feel like we have answers solving eons of human problems. We cannot resolve our own sin, let alone the world’s conflicts. I will continue to lean on the Lord’s side to discern the times in which we live.

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Visions of the Ancient of Days

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.” Daniel‬ ‭7‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Daniel was given these amazing visions concerning things that happen in the heavens, in the spiritual realm that we do not see but yet exists. And Daniel admits he was troubled by all he had seen and the visions terrified him! ‭‭(Daniel‬ ‭7‬:‭15‬).

I love that Daniel tells his readers that he had no idea what these visions meant. In a vision within a vision, like Inception, Daniel asks one of those, “standing beside the throne,” what it all meant. Then Daniel, being a curious visioneer, asks about one particular beast – different from the other three.

Think about this: in this vision Daniel is not just seeing it, he’s engaging with some of the characters in the vision. How is that even possible? The vision had to have been more real than just a dream! Have you ever had an interactive vision or dream? I had one as a young boy. It was very surreal to have a conversation, asking questions of a dream character and have them answer back.

After this heavenly person finished explaining the details of the vision, it all ended. Daniel writes, “I, Daniel, was terrified by my thoughts and my face was pale with fear, but I kept these things to myself.” (Daniel‬ ‭7‬:‭28‬). God wanted Daniel to see the future, even to see Jesus, in action, receiving all authority, honor and sovereignty over all the nations. God wanted Daniel to see the beasts, in all their viscous, ferocious abilities to destroy human lives. And, God allowed Daniel to discover what this massive vision meant. What a responsibility to capture it and write it down. These magnificent other-worldly experiences do not happen that often in the Bible. And the people God entrusted with these visions were given this gift to share hope and confidence in God that would continue working until the end of days and beyond.

Prayer

​Dad,
Dreams and visions are powerful enough, just under normal life circumstances. But wow, Daniel’s visions and his descriptions of what he saw are just amazing. I admire those who can make theological sense out of what you showed Daniel and even more impressive is what it meant to the people of Israel then and to all of us now. I try to wrap my head around the fact that Daniel saw a glimpse of Your glory AND Jesus, as the ancient of days while living in ancient days! Thank you for your word. Thank you for working all good in those who love you.

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What happens when God fights for you?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“During the battle the five kings escaped and hid in a cave at Makkedah. When Joshua heard that they had been found, he issued this command: “Cover the opening of the cave with large rocks, and place guards at the entrance to keep the kings inside.” ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭10‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Joshua records a brief but brutal ending to a war between Israel and the Amorites. King Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem had sent messengers to several other local kings: Hoham of Hebron, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon, inviting them to join him in defeating Gibeon, a large fortified city and new ally with Israel. Joshua writes, “So these five Amorite kings combined their armies for a united attack. They moved all their troops into place and attacked Gibeon.” Adoni-zedek believed this to be a strategically easy victory.

For many of the battles Israel would face, their enemies began to realize they were going up against Israel’s God – Jehovah, the one true God, The men of Gibeon sent messengers to Joshua asking for Israel’s help. This massive battle is famous because of two miracles. One, God chased the Amorites off with a hailstorm – which killed more men than the battle itself. But this is also the famous story of the sun standing still for a day, because Joshua asked God for more time to finish off the enemy.

The Amorites were exceedingly wicked. God told Moses to completely destroy the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Why? God told Moses, it will “prevent them from teaching you to imitate their detestable customs in the worship of their gods, which would cause you to sin deeply against the LORD your God.” Just do a search on the immoral things the Amorites practiced while worshiping fake gods. God’s warnings to the Amorites did not persuade them to repent. Eventually God’s judgement was to thoroughly remove them from the earth.

It was clear to the five kings in cahoots with each other that they were losing, so they fled to the hills and all five of them hid in a cave at Makkedah. As they were seen running from the battle, the Israelite men reported it to Joshua. After the Amorite armies had been defeated, Joshua returned to the cave and had the five kings brought out. He had the five kings laid out on the ground and told his own commanders to put their foot on each of the Amorite king’s necks. As they did this, Joshua told them to never be afraid, but instead be strong and courageous – a life tagline for him. Then Joshua killed each of the five kings by impaling them on sharpened poles, where they hung until evening. As the sun was going down, Joshua gave instructions for the bodies of the kings to be taken down from the poles and thrown into the cave where they had been hiding, Joshua‬ ‭10‬:‭24‬-‭27‬. Five Amorite kings died a horrible death – befitting the horrible life and leadership over the people they were suppose to serve. Joshua was indeed a warrior leader over Israel and God honored him by giving him many battle wins over their enemies.

Prayer

​Dad,
Wow, wars were brutal then and still brutal today. We live with sin that is so ubiquitous, so invasive, that it rises to the level of mass murder of our enemies. War is hell! I find it interesting that there are times that you judge nations or groups of people yourself, directly punishing them with floods, famines or even storms. Yet, other times you used people, leaders, rulers or kings to make war against a people group, effectively judging them through annihilation. I would much rather have you fighting on my behalf than doing it on my own! Thank you for a future where there will be no more wars. I look forward to that day.

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Prominence set in perpetuity.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Isaac pleaded with the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was unable to have children. The Lord answered Isaac’s prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with twins. But the two children struggled with each other in her womb. So she went to ask the Lord about it. “Why is this happening to me?” she asked. And the Lord told her, “The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son.” Genesis‬ ‭25‬:‭21‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As we read through the story threads of God’s great plan, we realize something – these high moments were planned before time began! Even the novice reader knows about the famous big-three players in the Old Testament. Abraham, Isaac and who? That’s right – Jacob. These historical story is not remembered as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Esau! It would be and always was Jacob – the second born.

This plan was in place BEFORE Issac pleaded and prayed to God for an heir. Issac knew his own story well. His own mom and dad, geriatricaly had him l-a-t-e in life. Isaac didn’t want that to be his story with his beloved Rebekah. He saw what his mother, Sarah, had gone through and did not want that to be Rebekah’s experience. So yes he PLEADED, begging God, on behalf of his wife, to give them children. We think infertility is hard today! Infertility then meant the erasure of the family name and the vast wealth that had been passed on through each generation.

Rebekah became pregnant with twins! Double answer to prayer, but the children began fighting within her womb. Sibling rivalry started well before birth! In our current cultural war of women’s rights over their bodies, these two “not quite human until birth,” were obviously behaving like humans within Rebekah’s protective womb. This sibling squabblery prompted Rebekah to pray as well. “Why?” She asks! Rebekah simply asked the creator of all things, “What is going on in here?” pointing to her own swollen belly.

God tells Rebekah about her future, the boys future, and the future of the nation of Israel! You don’t just have twins Rebekah- you have NATIONS within your womb! Wow. They are fighting now because they will be rivals for the rest of their lives. One will be stronger and your first born will serve your second born. Whoa – that’s a lot of information to share with a momma pregnant with twins that are already tangling within. Oh, and by the way, Issac wouldn’t be much help because he was SIXTY when the boys were born! It would be up to Rebekah to maintain civility in the home and steer the future according to what God shared with her in those moments of desperation.

True to what God had told her, Esau certainly was a twisted pickle – “He showed contempt for his rights as the firstborn.” Question: Is it possible that the boys’ character was already evident in their womb story? It even showed up at birth, when Jacob grabbed at his brother Esau’s heel as they were coming out! Our job as parents is to steer the strong qualities of our children best we can. Esau was a difficult child, youth and young adult! He purposely married Hittite women, against his father’s wishes and just to give his parents grief! One of those women was a daughter of Ishmael, his father, Issac’s half brother and sworn enemy of Israel. “Esau’s wives made life miserable for Isaac and Rebekah.” (Genesis 26:35).

Parents, don’t beat yourselves up too badly, some of you will have an Esau! And some of you will birth and raise a Jacob who will take their prominent place in the future and in history!

Prayer

​Dad,
Oh how powerful are the origin stories of our lives and the lives of our children! To think that Rebekah bore the beginning of nations who would forever be at war. This is such a fascinating story to read as we come into this Christmas season, this advent, when Mary brings the Messiah, Your son into the world. Just as Rebekah bore waring twins, Mary bore the Savior who would end all wars. The Son of God who embodied hope, peace, joy and love! What a fantastically beautiful story with the “red-thread” of history that culminates in victory! Thank you for Your grace and fulfillment of every promise to us. Amen.

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The Curse of Passivity.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Every nook and cranny of Edom will be searched and looted. Every treasure will be found and taken. “All your allies will turn against you. They will help to chase you from your land. They will promise you peace while plotting to deceive and destroy you. Your trusted friends will set traps for you, and you won’t even know about it. At that time not a single wise person will be left in the whole land of Edom,” says the Lord. “For on the mountains of Edom I will destroy everyone who has understanding. ‭‭Obadiah‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Who is Edom and why was God so angry with them? This is what the one chapter spokesperson of God explains to us. [link]. Edom is Esau’s clan! Jacob’s brother and son to Isaac. Although Esau made peace with Jacob, he never did make peace with God. But as a warrior from birth, he was able to capture and keep the hilltop city of Mount Seir. The city that was impossible to conquer. Obadiah himself was an Edomite.

Why was God so angry with the Edomites? Their passivity towards their own people, Israel was unacceptable. A people who wanted peace at all cost, lives with no risk and safety with no conscience. Obadiah spells it out in his prophetic word of destruction towards his own brothers. “Because of the violence you did to your close relatives in Israel, you will be filled with shame and destroyed forever. When they were invaded, you stood aloof, refusing to help them. Foreign invaders carried off their wealth and cast lots to divide up Jerusalem, but you acted like one of Israel’s enemies.” Obadiah‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬-‭11‬.

Under the guise of passivity lies the sins of pride. The ethos of Esau, withdrawing from his family because of perceived betrayal and favoritism. The egregious act of Esau marrying one the arch enemies of Israel, the Canaanites – Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham’s son. Then holding up in a fortified city on the hill, all created a cultural elitism and gloating when Israel was mercilessly attacked time and time again. God declared that enough was enough.

Even though the Edomites believed no one could possibly touch them, in their haven in the heavenly, God declared, “Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down.” And God did. Edomites were driven from their land by the Nabateans, they migrated to the southern part of Israel and became known as Idumeans. [link] Much later in biblical history, Herod the Great, an Idumean, appears on the scene. It was Herod who tried to kill the infant Jesus in Bethlehem—through Herod, the rebellion of Edom continued. In AD 70, the Idumeans joined the Israelites in their revolt against Rome, and they were wiped out when Jerusalem was destroyed. At that point, the descendants of Esau disappeared from human history, just as God had said.

Passivity mixed with pride, safety and peace at the cost of loss of human lives is a horrible combination for any country, any people group. Edomites did so in arrogant rebellion against God. Can you think of countries with similar beliefs? Ever heard of the Bystander Effect? [link]. Edomites were an entire ancient people group that chose to not get involved.

Prayer

​Dad,
Is this us today? Is this the Church trying to be so neutral that it ends up being disengaged with highly controversial, highly contagious social viruses? I don’t want to be like Esau or the Edomites. I also see direct connections to our position on the country of Israel. They are really being targeted and once again there are stirring echoes of hate surrounding the Jewish people! It seems so surreal that this mysterious animosity keeps looping through time lashing out at the Jewish people. Obadiah’s words are eerily relevant today, “The day is near when I, the Lord, will judge all godless nations! As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you. All your evil deeds will fall back on your own heads.” So I pray for the peace of Israel! Amen.

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The Boast of Nations.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Now I know that the Lord rescues his anointed king. He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power. Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God. Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm. Give victory to our king, O Lord! Answer our cry for help. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭20‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

King David writes this Psalm after achieving some miraculous victories over a few enemy nations, the Ammonites and Syrians. A main adversary, Hadadezer, had battled with Israel several times, but finally when this General fell, there was a long season of peace. 1 Samuel 10:19, “When all the kings allied with Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they surrendered to Israel and became their subjects. After that, the Arameans were afraid to help the Ammonites.”

Israel had become powerful enough to accomplish peace in the entire region. David writes this Psalm, not to acknowledge his military might or ability – NO! David, as an experienced warrior recognized that Israel’s victories were because of the God they served. And, with a certain amount of humility David writes, “the Lord rescues his anointed king.” Then, he very poetically pens these famous words that would be quoted many times over in times of uncertainty – some nations boast of their chariots and horses… David knew that God had favored him and it was useless to pretend it was because of some amazing number chariots and horses.

Samuel mentions at one point that David had captured a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers and twenty thousand foot soldiers. There is no doubt that David had a massive arsenal of weapons and soldiers to go with them – maybe multiple times the number he captured. So, as the apex warrior of the ancient world, David knew how many chariots, horses, men, spears and swords he had in his massive army. But here in the Psalms he admits, it wasn’t his accomplishments, it was God’s victories and to boast in anything else would be foolish.

David’s success as a warrior would eventually prevent him from building a “home for God,” the temple. God said David’s hands were too bloody, and they were! (1 Chronicles 28:3). But here, David gives high praise and acknowledgement of God’s protection and fulfillment of promise to David and his legacy.

Prayer

​Dad,
Throughout our human history you have had rulers, kings and presidents rise to and fall from power. Some, you promoted and put in place, some you allowed to reign and wield their authority in wild and wicked ways. These rulers, mostly men, have been a mystery as to why some have been allowed to use and abuse their charisma and influence over nations. Whether we have good or godly leaders or tyrants and narcissistic, it is hard to understand your will and your ways through their time in power. The cycles of good or bad rising and falling continue to frustrate us. However, even though I do not understand, I do trust you. Even when I cannot see the reason, nor its end, I have faith in you and know that you are always just, true and right. Amen.

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Israel is still relevant to God’s story.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

For in that day,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will break the yoke from their necks and snap their chains. Foreigners will no longer be their masters. For my people will serve the Lord their God and their king descended from David— the king I will raise up for them. “So do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel,” says the Lord. “For I will bring you home again from distant lands, and your children will return from their exile. Israel will return to a life of peace and quiet, and no one will terrorize them. For I am with you and will save you,” says the Lord. “I will completely destroy the nations where I have scattered you, but I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you, but with justice; I cannot let you go unpunished. ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭30‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I say it ALL THE TIME – God’s stories are very long!

Whether I read an ancient text like this one in Jeremiah, written almost 3000 years ago, or I read the promises made to Abraham close to 5000 years ago – it does not matter. God stories are long stories. Yet time has no bearing on His promises, they are always fulfilled.

When God, apocalyptically tells Jeremiah the future, it can have immediate results as well as future applications at the same time. God did bring them back then and God will bring them back again! Jeremiah was writing to a rebellious, yet broken nation. Today, Jeremiah still speaks to a stubborn, yet broken nation.

What is it about Israel that makes it so controversial, so complicated? Is it truly because God declare the country to be His? And Jerusalem to be the object lesson of God’s faithfulness? Israel is such a small country, with 8,630 sq. miles and a population of about 9 million people. On the topic of ownership, the Israeli state was declared in 1948. Not only did God gift Abraham the land, but also bought the portions of the land legally and legitimately. There are several ancient transactions recorded in Genesis 13:15-17, and David’s purchase of the temple mount in 2 Samuel 24:18-25. Plus, the entire area known now as Israel was barren and almost worthless when Israel took it over in 1948, It is no secret that the Jewish people turned the dessert into a paradise! The Jewish people even resurrected a dead language that hadn’t been spoken for 2,000 years – Hebrew!

Israel’s GDP was $522.03B in 2022. They are the top in the field of agriculture, health, science, medical advancement, military weaponry and technology. Many of the best and brightest minds in the world are Israelites! The very long story has still yet to be fulfilled.

The Jewish people will one day recognize Jesus as their messiah! And God promises, through passages just like this one, that He will bring all His people back their land. They have been scattered all over the world, but they will return. They have been reviled, tortured and killed, but God still has His eye on His people and the promises made to ancient desert fathers, like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will be fulfilled in modern times. Israel is still in the news because Israel is still waiting for the completion of all things, the end of days!

Prayer

Dad,
It is so heartbreaking to see the violence of war perpetrated on the folks in Israel and the Palestinian people. It is gut wrenching to watch the innocent be caught up in the mayhem and destruction of life, homes, businesses, schools and hospitals. We are a violent people at heart, especially when we wander from you and seek our own way. The struggle and deep seated hatred and anger is too complex for me to even understand. But, I know in all of this terror, you are at work to fulfill your promises, even extending life and freedom to those who behave as enemies towards you, if they would turn their heart towards you.

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The gift of God’s liberator.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind. You will free the captives from prison, releasing those who sit in dark dungeons. ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭42‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Story of God has always been about making promises and His ability to keep them. From the very beginning, God promised that He would personally repair and restore the breach that humans made and He has consistently done that ever since creation began.

Isaiah is filled with future-casting the Messiah, the savior, the liberator for humankind. These particular prophetic-promises come into view at two very popular holiday seasons: Christmas and Easter, winter and spring. This spring, 2024, our world is experiencing enormous chaos. We have a two global conflicts or wars simultaneously happening. One in the Ukraine, the other in Israel. Russia, wanting to reclaim Ukraine, invaded the country in February, 2022 and it continues on today. Hamas, a terrorist organization, invaded Israel in October 2023 and it also continues on today. Plus, the always struggling nation of Haiti has recently been taken over by Haitian Gangs, who closed the entire country! On top of all that, the U.S. is heading towards yet another highly divided presidential election in just a few months and we are still trying to climb out of the effects of the 2020 pandemic. Nothing is the same and no one has any idea what the future holds for our world in crisis.

Celebrating Resurrection Sunday this year in the United States, means doing so with a massive exodus of those who have left the Church because of “church hurts,” or “deconstruction” of their faith. God knew there would be cycles of darkness and deep disturbances in human affairs. When the promise of the Messiah arrived at the turn of the calendar from B.C. (Before Christ) to A.D. (Anno Domini), it was very tumultuous. And, by the time Jesus became of age to officially become a Rabbi in the Jewish faith, Rome had bullied their way into what the citizens considered to be peace (Pax Romana).

The cost for peace was enormous and the social, religious experiment of a pan-theistic belief system was constantly on the brink of revolt. The Jews were itching for a champion, a warrior like King David to reclaim their country and God-given right to their own land and way of life. Even the early church, completely believed in Jesus’ resurrection, but persecution and mayhem was so horrific they also believed He was returning soon!

Our world has gone through many cycles of desperate despair to the exhilaration of hope that the end has come! We are in another cycle right now! Yet, with each plunge into apparent chaos, there is simultaneously a search for God, for meaning, even for eternity. That time is now! The story of God’s liberation and promise-keeping ability gives us hope. We may all be in a perpetual, even cyclical Good Friday, but God always has a glorious resurrection Sunday coming. Behold God comes… always… to make all things new!

Prayer

Dad.
Our lives may be filled with trauma-troughs, ruts and pits of pain, sin and suffering, but even then You are with us. And, in each and every dark moment, or sunless season, you bring peace and comfort to our hearts. Thou art with me! Even in those down-cycles of fear and the unknown, you can lift me out of the depressions of what is seen all around me to the vistas of your view, your perspective and your plans. Thank you God, for you are my refuge and my hope.