Hello siblings
Apologies for the late posting.
This morning, when I finally got to my inbox, there were messages of bombings, nuclear missiles, and counter attacks. The truth is, it doesn’t matter which side of the fence we stand, it’s not safe for any of us. For, guided missiles or not, nuclear weapons don’t have names to determine who ought to be excluded or not. These increased conflicts invite a revisiting of texts we’ve looked at recently. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Matthew 24:6-7, 12 NIV
[6] You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
[7] Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
[12] Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold …
Don’t Get Alarmed
Siblings, it’s hard to stay unbiased amidst all that’s happening around us. With everyone’s political ‘truth’ justifying the the attack on the other – religious belongings, social structures, discriminatory systems, unjust practices, and even generational enmity – we’ve all been given reason to believe the other side. When we read Scripture, it probably becomes even more conflicting, as it is hard to discern whose side God should/will take under the political and scriptural circumstances.
I find it interesting, and somewhat concerning, to note how conflicts have ballooned dramatically in recent times. More so, when we hear the various travel warnings, resulting from conflict, internal fights, and political instability, it is easy to believe that the entire world is about to go up in smoke.
But, it can only go up in smoke IF YHWH Permits. Until that day, which may or may not be in our lifetime, we don’t need to worry. Rather, we need to be acting. This is the time to offer comfort to the afflicted, to encourage peace in the face of war, and to offer the Prince of Peace as The One Who is able to keep us and prevent us from falling.
Are there persons who we know who are shell shocked by the wars raging without and within?
Let’s offer healing and hope by God’s grace.
Are there persons who are displaced or needing to be heard amidst all the unfolding conflicts?
Let’s offer refuge, figuratively or literally, to those who need shelter.
Are there persons who’ve lost hope, or needed a word of comfort and assurance?
Let’s direct them to the Secret Place of the Most High, where they might abide under the shadow of Almighty God.
As we find joy, comfort, peace, and salvation in Christ, I pray that we may also offer the same to those around us.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
