My heart is heavy with the election tomorrow. Not necessarily worried about who wins. No... it's not that. I am heavy hearted because of seeing where we are as a nation. I don't want to get all fired up and talk about how screwed our politics are and that we're all doomed to hell. But, I do want to talk about what a God of redemption we have.
In Hebrews it says God is the 'King of Justice' and the 'King of Peace'.
I honestly believe the Lord is so grieved by what's going on in this nation. Just as His heart was grieved by Sodom and Gomorrah. But..I also believe, that just as God's heart was moved by Abraham's intercession...so is His heart moved by ours. There's something powerful that happens when we stand in the gap and humbly come before the All powerful One, the essence of Love, and cry out to Him. He wants to bring redemption and healing!
For so long, Satan has bound up, lied to, and paralyzed so many hearts. And I'm tired of it! Our God is the One who looses the chains, and sets the captives free. Even us, as 'Christians' who have been held captive by apathy, or complacency...or, as aweful as it sounds...arrogance. You know I look at whats going on in the economy, and how so many are being forced to live more simply...and part of me wants it to happen so badly. You know, there's something powerful about simplicity. In simplicity, there's focus. Our comforts have been stripped away, and we're forced to look at the face of Jesus and say, "You are enough". I hope our hearts will gladly say that. But....if it takes being impelled to that...than I hope God will strave us of our comforts, and leave nothing but Himself. I honestly do.
God is the King of Justice.
In Zechariah 7 it says, "This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another." As His children, we are to love justice and mercy. To live out of an overflow of what we've received. I know that's a buzz word, nowadays, but honestly it's how we're called to live. Those who have been forgiven much, love much.
God is the King of Peace.
He says, " I will grant peace in the land." How easy is it, amongst all the different opinions and egocentrism, for so much dissension to arise. Especially with this election, I've heard so many hurt hearts of people who have been judged and labelled with disgust by Christians. By Christians! It's this that is breaking the heart of God! It's His kindness that leads to repentance. It is God's role to judge and make right....but it is ours to love. Unconditionally. To replace haughty looks, with kind eyes. Sharp tongues, with edifying words. I'm definitely not saying that those sins are right, and we should embrace the sin. But, let us always have open arms and hearts for even the unlovable. That we, as God's children....sons and daughters of the King of peace...would be ushering the peace in.
I love this in Romans 13...
'Pay all of your debts, except the debt of love. You can never finish paying that! All the commanments are summed up in this one commandment- 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God's requirements.' It's a simple as that.
I'm totally speaking to myself in this. It helps to right it out, though. Challenges me. Thanks for sticking with me this far. It's nice to be on the journey with you.
~Our Hope is in Jesus. Needless to say...it nice to be amongst friends.
