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May we all have peace!

Reading Time: 2 minutes

”Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever. Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever. The wicked will not rule the land of the godly, for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong. O Lord, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with you. But banish those who turn to crooked ways, O Lord. Take them away with those who do evil. May Israel have peace!“ ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭125‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This Psalm, written by Ezra the scribe, as the people return to Jerusalem after being exiled in Babylon for 70 years. There are quite a few psalms dedicated to this “returning.” What stands out is that the city is a permanent archetype for all times, a perfect example of God’s presence in His most beloved place on earth. The people returning, are returning to God’s hometown.

How are we to interpret and integrate this in modern times? Is God still surrounding His people as the mountains surround Jerusalem? I believe the answer is yes. The book of endings/beginnings says “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone.” Rev. 21:1. The chapter just before the last chapter is all about this new city, where “”I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation‬ ‭21‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I see these writings in Psalms, written thousands of years ago. Then I see the writings in Revelation, also written a couple thousand years ago, and immediately understand God’s beloved city is a major character in God’s story! Except that Revelation isn’t history itself the FUTURE! Ezra, declaring that Israel, the people of God, in the city of God should have peace and seeing that God brings it full circle, in the very end of time itself – Israel will have peace. The city of Jerusalem will eventually be the perfect picturesque city of peace!

This gives me hope in 2023 as we wrap up the year. This year has certainly come with enormous global conflict and wars, men forcefully, violently taking land and spilling innocent blood, killing human beings to advance their cause, their dominance. This has been a bloody year, and Israel as well as the beloved city of God has been the front page news and headline for 73 days. We are watching history and the future happen simultaneously. May Israel have peace. May the world have peace. Peace on earth, and goodwill towards humanity!

Prayer

Dad,
The waves of violence and wars seem unending. There seems to be a desperate need for justice and peace to replace the insolent deeds of men. Our hope is in you! Our peace, Oh God is knowing that you will make all things right in the end. The final words in Revelation echo our world’s desire for an end of wars, the end of evil perpetrating on innocence. I understand these words so much better now. Jesus said, ”Surely I am coming soon.” And, I agree wholeheartedly with John in saying, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!“

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What is your need?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

”As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho, a large crowd followed behind. Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them. But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord,” they said, “we want to see!” Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him.“ ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭20‬:‭29‬-‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Matthew records that Jesus and his guys were leaving Jericho. The huge historical, famous city of jericho! Robin and I have been to Jericho, it is way out there in the desert. The biggest attraction, a section of the original wall that had been excavated. Just a portion of a very old wall! However, we were in an ancient city, and just touching a piece of history that old was exciting. Jericho is in the West Bank and still under Palestinian control. Driving into the town was like entering a war zone. The guard towers and barbed wire was intimidating and I noticed the hardware changed to AK47’s. Jericho, by the way, had become kind of a highly religious community back in Jesus day. Many Jewish priests and religious leaders resided there.

Leaving the town, Jesus had a crowd following him, he was now a known person. Two blind men hearing the commotion, must have guessed that this the Jesus everyone had been talking about. They didn’t want to miss their moment. They screamed out, the crowd censured or rebuked them. The men screamed louder, Jesus heard them above the crowd’s disapproval. The next few moments are brief but powerful. Jesus stopped and asked them a question. “What do you wish I would do for you?” Jesus knew who they were- beggars. And, he knew what they needed – to see again. Yet he asked them. Of course they answered back, “we want you to open our eyes.” A nice way to say, they would really like to see and not be blind anymore. Matthew writes a word that became synonymous with Jesus’ attitude emotions for those who were suffering. Jesus was moved with compassion, “splagxnízomai” – “from splanxna, ‘the inward parts,’ especially the nobler entrails – the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. It was a medical term that became the way people would describe the inner turmoil of feelings – as in feeling it in their guts! Jesus felt this deep, gut-check and immediately touched their eyes. They would now become sightseers instead of blind beggars. Then the men followed Jesus.

Jesus had become known for being someone moved to this gut-checked emotion called compassion. This compassion, equally mixed with mercy, would become the picture of who God really is, contrary to the harsh, quick-to-judge religious leaders of the day. Contrary to the fake stereotypes about God, even today. What would it take for me to see people like Jesus sees them? Jesus was busy, on mission, and had very specific divine appointments directed by the Holy Spirit. Yet, when he heard these men cry out, he stopped, felt their struggles, and healed them. Can compassion be a precursor, a prerequisite to a miracle?

Prayer

Dad,
Do I see the world around me like you do? Do I take or make time to listen and be led by your Holy Spirit? Do I have compassion for those suffering around me? My own city, up and down my own streets, may not be filled with blind beggars, but they are filled with individuals who have completely spiraled down to a horrible existence. They have become almost invisible to me and there are so many of them. Help me to have compassion, mercy and maybe just enough courage and time to see them, hear them and ask what they might need.

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Whom shall I fear?

Reading Time: 2 minutes

”The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.“
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

My favorite Psalm to sing when I am truly afraid. Of course I memorized this Psalm in KJV (King James Version), and learned the song when I was new in my faith, but boy oh boy, I sang it A LOT when going through dark and scary nights. There were moments I could feel darkness closing in and crushing my thoughts. This Psalm was sung at the most fearful times. The Psalm was written while Israelites were in Babylonian captivity likely by Ezra. However, it is completely possible that Daniel wrote it. Daniel – the young man that shot to the top of Darius’ advisory team (Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom – Dan 6:3). Daniel who would refuse to eat foods sacrificed to idols. Daniel who was thrown to lions for disobeying a law that was written exclusively to catch him obeying God verses the durability of an irreversible Persian law.

In my mind, I can see Daniel praying or singing this powerful psalm. In the darkness of the lion’s den. Amidst the certainty of being mauled to death. Daniel proved this song to be true! God is light and in Him there is no darkness (1 John 1:5). God’s presence in that cave had to have been blindingly bright! And when the creator of all creatures shows up before the king of all beasts, I am positive they bowed before Him in humble submission. With God there, no enemy could win, no danger could overcome! I know there is war language in this Psalm – armies that devour, surround and attack, but I also know that when fear creeps in and shadows come to swallow your soul, you can call on God to deliver you. And, to borrow a line from the other three teens who faced fire instead of lions, “But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods.” or Job who wrote, “though he slay me, yet will I hope in him.” Even as Jesus said in Matthew’s gospel, “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul!” Whom shall I fear? Why should I tremble? There is no need for either when God has got your back! Remain confident in God!

Prayer

DAD,
“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me!” Your presence brings light, peace and courage. When I feel afraid. When I feel overwhelmed. When I cannot think straight and cannot stop my emotions from ruminating and cycling through my brain – You are WITH me! I will not fear, I will believe Your word over all others! Thank you for your presence that brings peace. Thank you for light that illuminates my path. Thank you for undeserved grace in the midst of darkness.

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Assuming God Intent.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“Soon the news reached the apostles and other believers in Judea that the Gentiles had received the word of God. But when Peter arrived back in Jerusalem, the Jewish believers criticized him. “You entered the home of Gentiles and even ate with them!” they said.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Awhile back Robin and I had dinner with another couple and one of them used to work for Apple retail. She said that Apple’s training emphasized that when in doubt, one should assume positive intent when seeing another employee or even a customer behaving suspiciously. The whole idea is to trust that people are doing the RIGHT thing even though we don’t fully understand what we see at the time. What a brilliant concept!

There are so many examples in the Bible where God was totally involved, and had specifically told people what they needed to do. Jesus himself was criticized for eating with sinners! Like people’s sin might accidentally rub off on him and make him unholy? Mary, was pregnant with God’s only son and it was the only way God could save humanity – but people suspected that she was unfaithful to Joseph!

Here in Peter’s story, he is questioned for eating with Gentiles, not knowing that God had orchestrated the whole thing. When will we get it? Oftentimes God has directed people to do something that may appear suspicious, but it is completely within His plan. We should practice assuming God intent.

We have so much social media criticism flying around, quoting and misquoting preachers or “catching” Christian celebs in what we think are compromising positions. Have we considered that they may be doing exactly what God told them to do? Word got back to Jerusalem and the Jewish believers criticized Peter! So yeah, Peter had a great God story to tell, but how far would the gossip have gone? Luke made sure the truth, the God intent, was written down for all to see.

I think it’s helpful to assume positive intent when working with people. But, I think it is far more important to assume God intent in the community of faith. Next time I see a suspicious behavior in a believer, I’m going to hold my criticism, assuming God intent, until I get a chance to hear their big God story!

Prayer

Dad,
You are doing BIG stuff in our dark and dangerous world. You are always at work, bringing light and justice to the shadiest situations that we will never even know about. And, you are involving us in your grand story – the redemption of humanity! I am positive that you know what you’re doing. And, I trust that you have people doing good work in areas and with individuals that I will never see. Help me in my negative and critical thinking, assuming the worst in other believers. I would rather think well of them and that you have a plan and a reason behind the scenes. Help me believe in you working through others!

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Waiting for final justice.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them. Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name. In the night I search for you; in the morning I earnestly seek you. For only when you come to judge the earth will people learn what is right.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Isaiah, in telling the true tale of two cities, one of Babylon and the other of Jerusalem, describes the citizens of each. Even though the walk up the hill to Jerusalem is steep – from the valley below to the top of the mount is 2,500ft. Yet, Isaiah writes, “for the righteous, it’s not steep and rough.” Most of the stories of people coming to Jerusalem, or even returning to Jerusalem after years of captivity, write about it being a joyous journey. They come up to the city with excitement.

Isaiah tells us, yet another reason, this is true. Of course, it has always been depicted as the “city of God,” but in this passage he writes about its citizens. The citizens of God’s city, who are righteous, will not even break a sweat because it is God who smooths out their path. Imagine for a moment the true wonder of a city that is known for doing right, filled with justice and held accountable by God himself. Think of the cities we have now! We’ve got cities that are not safe and are filled with poverty, violence, and powerful gangs (in the streets and in the government 😳). Have you noticed our driving habits on the freeways lately? High speed, reckless drivers, racing as though there were no CHP to stop them. Businesses have practically given up trying to stop shoplifting and smash-n-grab mobs. Many have just closed stores rather than deal with the massive financial loss. There is a certain brazen behavior when there are no apparent consequences. The laws are there, but there is no enforcement. Isaiah challenges me when he writes, “we show our trust in you by obeying your laws.” It is both God’s laws and His justice that make this future, great city safe! The final word is hopeful and disturbing at the same time, it is “only when you come to judge the earth will people learn what is right.” That finality of accountability to what is right, will for many, be too late. Our behaviors testify that people do not believe God exists nor will He be perfect in His justice and judgment.

Prayer

Dad,
I thought everyone wanted to live and possibly raise a family in a safe city. Apparently, this is not true for all. The wicked, those who race to do wrong, preying on the weak and innocent; disregarding the law and peace, they just want the freedom to do whatever they want, to whomever they want to do it to! It’s no wonder our cities are full of pain and brokenness. Those who want to just live their lives and enjoy their neighborhoods will have to wait until you bring justice to the whole earth. Even though Isaiah was Your spokesperson, it did not protect him from the violence in his own time and from his own people. May your peace and mercy go before us as we wait for the fulfillment of your promises.

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Word Keepers.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.” Proverbs‬ ‭25‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

RANT WARNING!

Leave it to Proverbs to give us the raw, straight-up truth about relationships and the struggles we have maintaining them. This might seem like a common sense, a “no-duh,” concept. Believe me, we try to apply grace and allow ourselves to give them just “one more chance,” but we end up chewing food with a broken tooth, when it comes to trusting a friend to come through for us. Why do we do it? We want to give the benefit of the doubt, assume positive intent, but deep down we know – they won’t come through. Wisdom must snicker at us with this reminder – “sure, give it another go,” if you enjoy chewing your food with a broken tooth! Or, you just love waking around on a sprained ankle! Ouch!

Honestly, when I read this Proverb, I don’t review a list of friends that are unreliable. When I read this, I see MYSELF! I ask myself, am I unreliable? Over the last decade I have been working hard, committing to a difficult principle – “say what I’m going to do, then do it!” I think it’s one of the most important leadership qualities one could possess. If you say it, then do it! Quit making grand promises that are never fulfilled, grand ideas that may start but never finish. Say it, do it. That’s it. If I say I will be there, then I should be there! If I say I will help, then I help. It’s a matter of keeping our word and following through with our promises. What about emergencies, or unforeseen circumstances? Sure, that happens and there are some things beyond our control. But people can accommodate those when they are real and rare. It’s the always late with lame excuses or promises made but something always “happens” to come up. I don’t want to be the person, the friend, that makes OTHERS chew food with broken teeth or limp with a sprained ankle! I want to be a person that keeps their word – that says it and does it!

I can see how this trustworthiness reflects on how God works with us. He makes promises and keeps them. God says something will happen, and it absolutely happens! God is true to His word, and we should be doing the same. I want to be a word keeper not a promise breaker.

Prayer

Dad,
I know it is hard to commit and to keep our word when life is so fast. We just get exhausted when constantly saying “yes” to too many things. I need a lot of help when it comes to keeping my word. I think it builds character, I know it builds trust from others. We seem to be short on both these days. I can be thankful that you are always trustworthy to keep your word and follow through with your promises! Great is your faithfulness Lord unto me.

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Contrarian mandate for leaders.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world Lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 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. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” Matthew‬ ‭20‬:‭24‬-‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

BE DIFFERENT

Matthew’s gospel records a series of conversations that seem to flow from one difficult conversation to the next. These observations may not be linearly connected. However, Matthew, isn’t just writing a gospel account, he is led and inspired by the Holy Spirit to communicate a narrative, and he does so with persuasive intent.

Jesus had just been telling his disciples of the events that would take place very soon. Namely, that he would be handed over to the Romans, tortured, then crucified! But afterward, he would rise from the dead. That’s A LOT to take in for his followers!

Then, Matthew has a mother approaching Jesus, asking for a future favor that would place her two sons on the right and left seats of the ruling throne of a king. Of course, she believed that Jesus, being the messiah meant that he was going to be taking over Rome and establishing himself as the legitimate heir to rule and reign over Jerusalem and the people of Israel. She believed this is how God would create a new world order.

Jesus clearly told her this is not how things will take place. He said to her, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?” She and her boys were still thinking of the suffering it would take to overthrow Caesar and take the capital by force. “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”” Jesus ends the conversation with, “that is up to Father God.”

Just the mention of which of the disciples would get honored positions gets the whole group riled up! Matthew writes, the others were (aganakteó), grieved and incensed! Jesus then admonishes the disciples telling them the counterculture, counterintuitive way the Kingdom of God works. Jesus admits that rulers in this world lord and flaunt their authority over those they lead. Interesting Jesus connected secular lordship with rulers exercising “decisive control,” and power, “exerting authority downwards, oppressively.” We know this is how the world works. Rulers or leaders get to wield control and power to get things done.

However, Jesus emphasized the model of His rulership. Anyone who desires to be great in the Kingdom of God will NOT lead through control and power, but rather they will lead by serving! He told them very specifically, “But among you it will be different!” Leaders in God’s economy will be (diakonos), a servant/minister. The word comes from the common table waiters that serve in the open air cafe’s that line the dusty streets of Jerusalem. As Kingdom leaders, they wouldn’t control or oppress, they would serve so well, so fast that they would “raise the dust” to attend to their guests! They would be dust-raising table waiters! What? How? Why?

Jesus didn’t just tell them this is how he rules and reigns in the Kingdom of God, he showed them, he lived it! “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

I will leave it up to you to decide if this applies to ALL disciples, all followers of Jesus – which may be you. Or, it just applies to those who aspire to lead, to pastor, to shepherd. Maybe it even applies to those who lead in their business or other areas where they volunteer. You decide. Just know this, if you choose to LEAD in God’s Kingdom, God’s economy – you MUST be a dust-raising table waiter… a servant of all. Albert Baylis said, as a Jesus follower, “we all want to be called servants until someone treats us like one.”

Prayer

Dad,
That all sounds wonderfully spiritual and humbling for sure, but everyone knows it it NOT easy. It’s easy to preach and proclaim servanthood. It’s easy to tell others to serve. But when it comes down to it, actually serving others, it is very hard. Once one serves, people begin to expect it and they seem happy to demand more. It’s hard to figure out the difference between humbly serving and being someone’s doormat. Try we must, right? You did it. You let people mock you and speak lies about you and yet you still gave your life to save us. What a magnificent mystery. Help me not to hold power or control over others, but instead, to serve them.

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Why does God seem silent?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name. Why should pagan nations be allowed to scoff, asking, “Where is their God?” Show us your vengeance against the nations, for they have spilled the blood of your servants. Listen to the moaning of the prisoners. Demonstrate your great power by saving those condemned to die.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭79‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This Psalm was written as a record of repentance, as Jerusalem was being destroyed – here’s what was happening: “Meanwhile, the Babylonians burned Jerusalem, including the royal palace and the houses of the people, and they tore down the walls of the city. Then Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, took as exiles to Babylon the rest of the people who remained in the city, those who had defected to him, and everyone else who remained. But Nebuzaradan allowed some of the poorest people to stay behind in the land of Judah, and he assigned them to care for the vineyards and fields.” Jeremiah‬ ‭39‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬.

In a strange turn of events Nebuchadnezzar told Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, to find Jeremiah. “See that he isn’t hurt,” he said. “Look after him well, and give him anything he wants.”” Jeremiah writes, Nebuzaradan “sent messengers to bring Jeremiah out of the prison. They put him under the care of Gedaliah son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, who took him back to his home. So Jeremiah stayed in Judah among his own people.” Jeremiah had been thrown in prison for telling King Zedekiah what God was going to do to Israel. God then tells Jeremiah to write this about their beloved city, “‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: I will do to this city everything I have threatened. I will send disaster, not prosperity. You will see its destruction, but I will rescue you from those you fear so much. Because you trusted me, I will give you your life as a reward. I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the Lord, have spoken!’””

God did keep His promise. The city was destroyed, Jeremiah’s life was spared for a few more years. The Psalmist, recording the most grievous moments, begs for God’s help and vengeance upon Babylon. We know that God did not answer this prayer for 70 years and we know that the final answer to this prayer would not come for several thousand years – at the end of all things.

Interestingly enough, people are still asking this question when looking at the current sufferings throughout the world, “Where is their God?” Tough question, right? God is well aware that evil has been playing out its hand for eons. God is well aware of the grief and suffering humanity has endured. However, God gave us the choice and the free will to “do as we please.” God allowed Israel to be completely unfaithful and turn to worshipping idols and behave unjustly. God punished Israel, He disciplines those He loves, yet still, Israel would not be faithful to Him, to the promise they made to God.

Of course wickedness and evil will be judged, but the delay is for ALL to come to God, restored, reconnected to Himself through Jesus’ sacrifice. The final judgment is coming for those who still refuse to see their own sin and the hope of their own salvation. The Psalmist captures the truth, “demonstrate your great power by saving those condemned to die.” That truth is more profound and powerful today than it ever was!

Prayer

Dad,
Even in my sin you have displayed the power to save me! Even though you get mocked and blamed for evil and wickedness, your judgement is held and tempered by your mercy. The delay of finality is for the benefit of all who would come, all who would see you, know you, love you. I pray for those who have believed the lies of the enemy by trying to secure their own goodness, their own salvation. Help us Oh Lord, save us Oh God!

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The End of the Personified City

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“He gave a mighty shout: “Babylon is fallen—that great city is fallen! She has become a home for demons. She is a hideout for every foul spirit, a hideout for every foul vulture and every foul and dreadful animal. For all the nations have fallen because of the wine of her passionate immorality. The kings of the world have committed adultery with her. Because of her desires for extravagant luxury, the merchants of the world have grown rich.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭18‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Babylon, the great city of antiquity. Bible Study Tools writes, “As Nimrod began his reign, he and his followers had one overriding goal for their new territory; they wanted to ensure the security of their community by building a prestigious landmark to make a name for themselves. “Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth” (Genesis 11:4). And includes an interesting note, “The ancient historian Josephus states of Nimrod, ‘He also said he would be revenged on God if he should have a mind to drown the world again; for that he would build a tower too high for the waters to be able to reach and that he would avenge himself on God for destroying their forefathers (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 1, Chapter 4).”

It all seems so oddly paradoxical, that the Vegas of ancient days became more than just a city, Nimrod built an alternative to God’s way – thus an option to a different salvation for humanity. What other option? The option of doing things my way, saving myself. The underpinnings of that thought, that subtle lie is this: I CHOOSE sin over salvation. Translation: God, I can save myself, if you don’t mind!

Babel, then later Babylon became the personification of the great lie, along with the great liar – Satan. Satan is the governor of Babylon. The city, the way of life, the culture and self determined religion, doesn’t just survive – it thrives in pockets all over the globe. You can see it in every “ism” that is known. Not just communism, fascism, socialism and even capitalism. ISM, might as well stand for “I Save Myself!” America struggles with five dangerous “isms”: humanism, pragmatism, materialism, secularism and relativism. All of the “ism’s” are distinctive doctrines, systems, or theories, simply beliefs on how to do life.

Babylon spawned years of tower-building philosophies of how to “out-god” God! But John, the revelator, is shown the destruction of the evil city and the systems, a “home for demons.” And it won’t happen until the end. The spirit, the arrogance, the perpetual lie will continue until the final days. As believers, we have been warned throughout all history NOT to go there, visit there and absolutely not live there and believe in the city motto: “to thine own self be true.” Remember in Shakespeare’s play, Polonius, himself was a pompous, hypocritical, and empty man. Jesus, alternatively said this, “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it. But whoever loses their life for me will find it.” Mat 16:25. The antidote to sin isn’t self, it’s Jesus’ sacrifice and we will not find it in Babylon.

Prayer

Dad,
I’ve seen Babylon alive and well, living within my own soul. I do not intend to make it my permanent home. I will choose the New Jerusalem instead, the city of God. I will choose heaven as my final destination and to do so means daily dying to self and having you, and only you SAVE me. Thank you for your grace, mercy and enduring, endless, patience towards me. Amen.

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Extraordinary promise fulfilled

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s house will be the highest of all— the most important place on earth. It will be raised above the other hills, and people from all over the world will stream there to worship. People from many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of Jacob’s God. There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths.” For the Lord’s teaching will go out from Zion; his word will go out from Jerusalem.” ‭‭Micah‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“End times” certainly gets my attention! I’m a product of the sixties and came to Christ, late in the seventies. I completely remember our church teaching that Jesus return was IMMINENT! So soon, that my wife, Robin, felt that Jesus would come back before we were married. The very cultural push in the church was definitely the results of what was happening on the global stage. Fuel shortages, price hikes, and wars along with an explosion of films that predicted certain apocalyptic themes – it was obvious to the church, Christ second coming is near!

Here in Micah however, a spokesperson for God, wasn’t writing about the end of the world. Micah was writing about the coming of the Messiah and what the “end” of the old ways, old covenant would look like. The Old Covenant that covered the Jewish people would be fulfilled by the Messiah and usher in a new covenant, which would now fully embrace the Gentiles as well! Yes, these Old Testament prophecies can have dual fulfillments. One that takes place in their near future AND one that takes place at the end of time. Micah writes about the historical moment when ALL will come to Jerusalem and gather to hear the teachings of God’s ways.

This actually took place, when Jews gathered in Jerusalem at the time of Christ’s final week before His death. And the Sabbath Day during that time, the one in which Jesus meets his disciples for the “last supper,” was also the last Sabbath, the last “high” Sabbath. Truly all people from many nations arrived in Jerusalem for this special “Feast of Unleavened Bread” which was combined with the festivities of a regular Sabbath made it a multi-day, “High” Sabbath. Micah’s prophecy continues to talk about God’s intervention during this time, “The Lord will mediate between peoples and will settle disputes between strong nations far away.“ He was speaking of the Messiah’s ability to judge and make peace between Jews and Gentiles and clearly bringing salvation even to the heathen, the non-Jew.

This prophecy is ongoing even today! And it will continue to be so until Christ returns and brings a finality to all things. Micah is uniquely special during the season of Advent or Christmas because he had declared in Micah 5:2 EXACTLY where the Messiah would be born. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

Prayer

Dad,
It is so amazing to see the historical accuracy of your plan, your will being done. However, it is multiple times more spectacular that you keep your promises! They are guaranteed and witnessed throughout history. And we are the beneficiaries or your grace! Thank you.