During crisis, and the war has made this very real to many, we may find comfort in praying the Psalms.
This is the portion that I am copying this morning.
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” Psalm 138:7-8 ESV
Turn to God.
Complain freely.
Ask for his help.
Trust in him. He is love, power, understanding and strength.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1-2 ESV)
God works miracles.
God also works through normal means, using his people to care for his people.
These are evacuee children being cared for in longer term housing at our partner camp.
crafts and lessonsoutdoor playcooperation practicedfun and games
We’re so grateful to God to be a part of helping these children. Many of them have experienced the horror of the war.
But right now, they are safe, warm and playing.
Thanks be to God.
Thank you for praying, please continue.
Thank you for giving. As you pray and give, you too are the hands and feet of God.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1-2 ESV)
While Darius led Persia, God worked to return the Jews to Jerusalem and it’s surrounding region. In his promise (prophesy) God said through Zechariah (ch 8) that peace and prosperity would return.
Jerusalem was a ruin and had to be rebuilt. God was reminding his people that he was with them and for them. this sentence struck me just now as I read it:
“Therefore love truth and peace.” (Zechariah 8:19 ESV)
Today’s images can help us understand the horror of what the Babylonians did in Palestine. *(I make no connection between current or past wars with what happened those many centuries ago, eschatological or otherwise.)*
During that struggle, as now, God is with us. Today, we have the possibility of an even fuller understanding of the greatness of the love and care of God through the life and work of Jesus (which culminates in his resurrection).
Jesus is the truth.
Jesus brings peace, between God and those who follow him.
“Therefore love truth and peace.” (Zechariah 8:19 ESV)
Jesus, centuries after the prophecy through Zechariah, is the way to understand this sentence:
“Therefore love truth and peace.” (Zechariah 8:19 ESV)
Peace is not just the end of war, it is a state of being that comes from being at peace with God because of the work of Jesus.
But sometimes we choose not to live in peace. Sometimes we choose to abide in anger, or allow ourselves to be unforgiving, or simply avoiding those we don’t like (for whatever reason).
For the follower of Jesus, this is to live in opposite to his prophesy (above) and commands to love.
It is easy to hate, to look down on people, even whole races and nations. Indeed, it is natural for us to act this way. Hate and apathy are actually quite human. Quite fallen, but quite human.
But it is not biblical living.
When I realize I am hating, avoiding, or refusing to forgive a person, a group, or a whole people, I must repent. I must turn to God and ask him to change my heart into one that loves “truth and peace.”
Let us turn to love truth and peace.
For a deeper consideration of this, from a different perspective, I recommend the teaching that is available through the link ⬇️
One little bright spot for some folks on the evacuee train on Easter morning was to receive Easter cakes and a reminder, from some caring friends, of the hope in the resurrection!
kingdom travelin' 