The future, in most accounts, is not bright! Our great nation and the rest of the world remains in the grip of the worst economic difficulties seen in decades. Two wars that drain American treasure and cost thousands of lives drag on after years. In Washington, DC and state capitols our politicians bicker everyday but do nothing to solve our problems. Trusted financial institutions on Wall Street that we thought were being led by brilliant people turned out to be dens of thieves whose chicanery lost $1.2 trillion (not a typo) of our wealth, though they kept their $multi-billion bonuses. Internationally, we see ancient animosities that continue to bring instability to the world through the Middle East. Iran seems ready to build nuclear weapons. Israel responds by rattling her mighty sword! Earthquakes have devastated Haiti and Chile, with millions now living in miserable conditions. The African continent suffers the results of terrible AIDS epidemics, leaving millions of orphans. Islam’s militant faction keeps Western democracies in near panic.
The report from across the globe is grim. Reflecting on these things, my mood is like that described in the Psalm of the exiles: "By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. There on the poplars we hung our harps." (Psalm 137:1-2, NIV) But is this a time to silence our songs and weep? Or is this a time of opportunity?
I was inspired by my reading in the book of Numbers. In preparation for entry into the Promised Land, the LORD told Moses to send in scouts. Twelve men were selected for a 40 day exploration. "So they went up and explored the land … When they came to the valley of Eshcol, they cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes so large that it took two of them to carry it on a pole between them! They also brought back samples of the pomegranates and figs." (Numbers 13:23, NLT) They came back with this report. "We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large." (Numbers 13:27-28, NIV) Most of the scouts spread a report that demoralized the people, that saw the only the facts without a complement of faith in God!
Two scouts, Caleb and Joshua delivered a minority report. "They said to all the people of Israel, “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! And if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!” (Numbers 14:7-9, NLT) I love that they did not gloss over the challenges which is what some are tempted to do in tough times. These men remembered the One Who was sending His people into the land and matched faith to fact, spiritual vision to the real difficulties that would be involved in possessing the Promised Land! Sadly, the minority report did not prevail. Israel rejected the LORD’s commission and suffered for it.
The Church of Jesus Christ needs people with the vision of Caleb and Joshua! We need visionary people, who are inspired by faith, who see beyond the challenges of broken government, mountains of debt, feuding nations, and the poverty that enslaves millions. Instead of hanging up our harps and weeping by the river, we need to sing the songs of triumph! We need to take courage. There is a memorable phrase used by Peter. "Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:13, NKJV) He refers to the man who gathered up his garment, tucking it into his belt, as he readied himself for heavy work! It is such a line, I want you to remember it. Gird up the loins of your mind! It is more understandable when the metaphor that was plain to Peter’s first readers is replaced. "Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:13, NIV)
The Gospel that is a treasure entrusted to us addresses every need of our world! Christ Jesus brings freedom from sin, transforms those who receive Him. This is the hour for the Church to stand up and speak! No, I am not calling for a renewed culture war. We have been there and done that. Forget making all that noise about the sins of the land and trying to get Congress or the courts to do with law what we are to do with love! We are to be warriors of love, people who give our lives to serve the poor, the broken, the least, the lonely! Open your heart and your home and your wallet. Go to prayer and let God help you to see with His eyes.
Here’s a word from the Word. Gird up the loins of your mind as you read it! Let’s make this passage our rallying cry as we go out as the faith-filled people of God that deliver the news of the coming Kingdom of our Lord and Christ. "You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9, NLT) "Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world." (1 Peter 2:12, NLT)
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Is there a mountain in your way?
Do doubts and fears abound?
Press on, oh hear the Spirit say,
This mountain shall come down.
Is there a fiery furnace trial?
Far more than you can bear?
Behold the blessed Son of God,
Is walking with you there.
Not by might, nor by pow'r,
By My Spirit saith the Lord of Hosts.
Not by might, not my pow'r,
By My Spirit saith the Lord.
This mountain shall be removed;
This mountain shall be removed;
This mountain shall be removed,
By My Spirit saith the Lord.
Then trust alone the mighty God,
He speaks, the winds obey.
Take courage then oh fainting heart,
For you He'll make a way.
By My Spirit
Herrick, Almeda
Lorenz Corporation © 1957. Renewed 1985 Gospel Publishing House (Assigned to Lorenz Corporation, 1998)
CCLI License No. 810055
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