Readings for today: 1 Kings 20-21
I find myself sitting in denominational meetings this week. I love these people. I love their heart for the gospel. I love their desire to serve God and His Kingdom. They are my friends, my tribe, my family. But I know many of them are hurting. Many of them have come out of the last two years wounded and broken and discouraged. Their churches are rife with conflict and division. They’ve felt each loss personally. In addition, they know the world is changing rapidly. There are forces on the move that are hostile to the church. Those forces can seem overwhelming at times. Many are wondering how much longer they can hold out. Many churches are wrestling over their future. We are living through very challenging times.
Of course, none of this is new to God. Consider the challenge Israel was facing during the reign of King Ahab. The king of Syria had gathered a coalition of thirty-two kings. His army numbered in the thousands and included many horses and chariots. He had sent word ahead that he was coming for all Ahab held dear. All his wealth. All his power. His wives and children. Nothing would be held back. Nothing left out. Ben-hadad would have it all or Ahab and Israel would be destroyed. Wiped off the face of the earth. What Ben-hadad failed to consider was God. Israel’s power was never dependent on the might of her armies. Her wealth could never be measured in just silver and gold. Her influence had nothing to do with the alliances she made with the kingdoms around her. She was beloved by God. Nothing more. Nothing less. Nothing else. He was her Protector. He was her Provider. He was her Stronghold and Shelter.
It’s so easy to give into anxiety. So easy to give into fear. It’s so easy to focus on the winds that swirl around us. Focus on the waves crashing over us. Take our eyes off Jesus and begin to sink under the weight of it all. But the same God who exercised His sovereignty over the hills and valleys in Israel is still at work in the world today. No matter what principalities and powers may rise. No matter what spiritual forces of evil take the field. No matter how hostile the cultural forces of our world may become, God will have the victory. All we have to do is cry out to Him. Throw ourselves on His mercy and grace. Depend on Him for all we say and do. So let’s not get distracted. Let’s not let fear win the day. Let’s stay on mission. Focus on expanding God’s Kingdom. Let’s walk in confidence in the victory Christ has already won for us on the Cross!
Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 18-20