After a very cold and windy entrance to the new year, we have enjoyed some spring-like weather. This is good and helps us envision the end of winter. The lights and other Christmas decorations are all back in their totes, the tree has been taken down, and the nativity carefully stored away to wait for another Christmas season. We hope the gifts and toys have endured the first few weeks of use.
A new congress has been sworn in, and the political circus begins a new year. The liberal, secular culture is increasingly anti-Christian, the public discourse is more and more confrontational. And yet, the words of the Lord are true and lasting. How does a Christian maintain a positive outlook in times like these?
Read with me, this passage from the Psalms:
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers conspire together
against the Lord and his Anointed One:
“Let’s tear off their chains and throw their ropes off of us.”
The one enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord ridicules them.
Then He speaks in His anger and terrifies them in his wrath:
“I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain….”
So now, kings, be wise; receive instruction, you judges of the earth.
Serve the Lord with reverential awe and rejoice with trembling.
Pay homage to the Son or he will be angry and you will perish in your rebellion,
for his anger may ignite at any moment.
All who take refuge in him are happy. (Psalm 2:2-6, 10-12
The following is the prophecy in Isaiah that we read at every Christmas season: For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now and forever. (Isaiah 9:6-7).
I have read the book, and I know how the story ends. Jesus Christ and his true followers win. Evil will be defeated and we will reign with Christ forever and ever. As my friend says, can I get an amen?
Pastor Jerry
sandhillspastor 