Our world teeters on the edge of chaos. Threats of war, an economy that is fragile, a divisive political scene, are but a few of the issues filling the news of the day. Even more significant, to me, is the fact of the rapid erosion of Christian faith. A whole generation questions the existence of a personal, knowable God. In response to indoctrination of a naturalistic worldview our churches are lifeless, where we pray rote prayers, expect nothing of God, try to ‘fix’ our world by our own efforts at social renewal and psychological therapies.
One author writes insightfully – “Miracles are explained away as pre-scientific explanations of what God was “really doing.” The supernatural content is demythologized. Blind eyes weren’t literally opened. It meant they could now see the truth. The lame didn’t really walk. It’s a metaphor. It means that before, they were not living for God, but now they are able to walk with him. In terms of spiritual evil, there is either no such thing as the demonic, or it exists symbolically as socio-political systems.” (Peter Bellini) It is not just our institutions that are afflicted with this insipid faith. It infects me and you, wrecking our faith, making us weak, troubled, and often as hopeless as the world around us.
Do I sound like an old man complaining about the world as I long for the ‘good, old days?’
Have I taken on the spirit of an Old Testament prophet railing at a world that has forsaken the Lord? Perhaps there is some of that, but I can see the spiritual sickness of the age with faith in the Living God and yet have hope - because “I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until the day of His return.” 2 Timothy 1:12 (NLT)
In Isaiah, there is a chapter that is a kind of interlude, words full of faith and hope, that break into the preacher’s call for repentance. His words turn our hearts and minds to God, reminding us that our salvation (and that of the world) does not come from our wisdom, from our resources, from our relevancy. In the context of the desert climate of Israel, the preacher speaks of God’s works in terms of the blooms and fertility that come with refreshing rain. These words stir me, making want to sing with joyful anticipation of the best yet to come. It is a lengthier passage than I would normally use in CoffeeBreak. Please listen and invite the Spirit to give you ears to hear, to rain new life on us, on His Church, on our world.
"Even the wilderness will rejoice in those days. The
desert will blossom with flowers.
Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy!
The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as
Mount Carmel’s pastures and the plain of Sharon.
There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of
our God.
With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who
have weak knees.
Say to those who are afraid, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is
coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”
And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unstop the ears of
the deaf.
The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will shout and sing!
Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the desert.
The parched ground will become a pool, and springs of
water will satisfy the thirsty land.
Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish where desert jackals once lived.
And a main road will go through that once deserted land. It will be named the
Highway of Holiness.
Evil-hearted people will never travel on it.
It will be only for those who walk in God’s ways; fools will never walk there.
Lions will not lurk along its course, and there will be no other dangers.
Only the redeemed will follow it.
Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return to
Jerusalem, singing songs of everlasting joy.
Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be overcome with joy and
gladness." (Isaiah 35, NLT)
So, will you believe Him, dear friend?
Will you live in faith and hope, expectant of a living, loving God to bring life, to reverse the Curse through Christ, our Lord?
I do, I will, and until the day He calls me home, He will be my God!
Here is a word from another Old Testament preacher. Make it your prayer today.
"LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy … yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to go on the heights." (Habakkuk 3:18-19, NIV) Amen.
(Video of this blog at this link)
____________________
Father of creation
Unfold Your sov'reign plan
Raise up a chosen generation
That will march through the land
All of creation is longing
For Your unveiling of pow'r
Would You release Your anointing
Oh God let this be the hour
Let Your glory fall in this room
Let it go forth from here to the nations
Let Your fragrance rest in this place
As we gather to seek Your face
Ruler of the nations
The world has yet to see
The full release of Your promise
The church in victory
Turn to us Lord and touch us
Make us strong in Your might
Overcome our weakness
That we could stand up and fight
Let Your kingdom come
(Let Your kingdom come)
Let Your will be done
(Let Your will be done)
Let us see on earth
(Let us see on earth)
The glory of Your Son
Let Your glory fall in this room
David Ruis
© 1992 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Integrity Music)
CCLI License # 810055
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