My Kingdom Is Not Of This World

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”  John 18:36 NRSV

The Lutheran denomination that I was a member of was in a state of political unrest at the time of my ordination. Yes, I said "political" unrest. It seemed that we were debating and voting on anything and everything to the detriment of the Gospel being proclaimed and heard. I had wanted all hints of worldly politics left out of the ordination sermon so asked a dear friend, Pr. John Henry, a United Methodist Pastor, to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus the Christ. And.. yes, I did let him know that was what I wanted to hear from the pulpit when I asked him. I had known and served in various capacities with him for years. I had heard him preach the Good News on many occasions and was confident that he would proclaim the Kingdom of God through Christ alone. Thankfully, he was willing and able. The Gospel was proclaimed! I have been called to proclaim this same gospel. Although, I am interested in secular politics; I am careful to not use the gospel to promote my particular political agenda. I believe strongly that through the regular hearing of the Word, the Holy Spirit will speak to each of us; lead us, and empower us to use the gifts that God has given us to serve in whatever manner we, as individuals, have been called. We have been given various gifts. It would behoove us to learn to work together using those individual gifts to glorify God.

I have been called to proclaim the Good News to all people so that all who would believe the Word will be reconciled to God our Father and our Lord, Jesus the Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. In my congregation there are men and women whom I would call lobbyists. They have secular "causes" that they support locally, state-wide, and even nationally from time to time. I truly believe that these secular "causes" are based on their faith and the gifts that God has given each of them. I do not particularly endorse or support all of these causes. Nor, do I chastise them for their political beliefs. None of them have done anything or supported anything that could be viewed as blasphemy.

We are no longer members of the denomination that voted regularly on secular political agendas. We are now free to serve God according to the calls we have received; revealed in His Word; and empowered by the Holy Spirit. As for me, I will keep praying; praising God; and proclaiming the Kingdom of God through Jesus the Christ, our Savior and King.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Titus 3 - Do Good; Live Peaceably

Titus 3 NIV
Paul encourages Titus to remind the people to live peaceably and do good. There is enough trouble in the world without causing or being involved in foolish controversies. Do not waste away your life enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures or in malice toward one another.

God has given us life; eternal life. "He has saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." (vs 6-7) This is a good work of God. Why should we throw it out and exchange it for life-draining drama? Christ died on the cross so that we could exchange our sinful drama for new life in him. Will we ignore that gift to us?

When I hear of some of the foolish disruptions to lives around me, I think of those who are in real trouble. Some of our brothers and sisters in Christ are dying for the name of Jesus. Many have illnesses that cannot and will not overcome. There are problems that really need help. There is a gospel to be proclaimed. All of these foolish controversies are distractions of the devil to keep us from doing the real good that we could be doing.

Paul encourages us to do good rather than waste our time on that which is not productive. He wrote: "Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives." (vs 14) There are plenty of genuinely urgent needs in the world. We have been renewed by the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. As children of the living God, let us not be distracted by those things that could well be avoided by striving to live in peace and respecting and loving one another.

God's Peace - J

Ephesians 3 Prayer and Proclamation

Ephesians 3 NIV
St. Paul's ministry was mainly to those who were not God's children, but now through faith became God's children. Paul, a Roman and Jew, had been called and sent by God to brings the good news to the gentiles. Even in his suffering he continued to encourage them; reminding them and us that they and we are heirs of the one true God. They and we are members of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Paul uses many words, both spoken and written, to remind others of God's love for them just as today we should be diligent in proclaiming this good news to those who are both near and far.

But, there is more... Paul not only preaches the good news to those whom he has been called to serve; he prays for them. I have found that sometimes prayer is more effective than all the words I can possibly spit out. Without God, all the words in the world will have no effect on anyone. And... so as pastors and ministers of the Gospel we pray for those we have been called to proclaim the good news to. We pray "that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (vs 16-19)

May God grant this unto us all that His name be glorified in the church and in Christ Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Corinthians 11 False Prophets

2 Corinthians 11 NIV
Do not be deceived by false apostles. There are many who preach a different Jesus than the one whom Paul preaches and teaches. There are many who would preach a different gospel today, as well. Beware, of those with slick tongues, but have very little knowledge. The best way that I have found to know whether someone is an apostle of Christ or a deceiver of Satan is to know scripture. Read your Bibles. Hear the Word of God speak to you through the written word. If what someone tells you cannot be supported by scripture then toss that notion away. It is not for you.

One of the biggest lies that I hear today is preached by those who would teach that if we do this or that, God will give us everything we want. We will be prosperous. Paul was willing to endure hardship; others were willing to give of their own abundance, in order to make it possible for neighboring communities to hear the proclamation of Jesus and his kingdom. God does not promise that we will be wealthy in this world if we follow all the rules and regulations that our little minds can contrive. He does; however, promise us peace of heart and mind even while we are in the midst of persecution for proclaiming the truth.

I was reminded by our Sunday School this past Sunday that there is only one reason to want to follow in the footsteps of Jesus into his Kingdom, and that is to be with Jesus. If a preacher is preaching some other reason or goal than Jesus, who is the Kingdom, then run. No, maybe a better alternative to running is to do what St. Paul did. Speak the truth. Proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God for all who would believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Corinthians 3:7-18 Glory

2 Corinthians 3:7-18 NIV
Paul was not afraid to proclaim the gospel. He faced persecution and death; yet, that would not stop him from proclaiming the good of news of Jesus Christ. In Jesus, the veil that left the people in the darkness; that is the veil that had shrouded God glory, had been lifted. Paul wanted everyone to contemplate the glory of God. He was willing to do all that he could that everyone would live in the hope of knowing His glory.

Have you seen it? Do you know it? Has the veil been lifted for you. Do you know Jesus the Christ? Do you contemplate the glory of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Be not afraid. Be not afraid to share the glory of God in Christ Jesus with others. For He is the source of all hope.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Romans 15:14-21 NIV Make It Your Ambition To Proclaim the Good News

Romans 15:14-21 NIV
I woke up this morning, mistakenly, thinking that it was Christmas morning. You see, I have a few services to attend today and for me, Christmas day is the day to celebrate Christ's birth. It just seems natural to me to celebrate his birth on Christmas Day. I've never quite adjusted to these early Christmas Eve Services. Something about them just doesn't seem quite right. For one; those who are traveling on Christmas Eve often don't get the opportunity to worship if there are no Christmas Day services. Being the wife of a retired Marine, I, remember many Christmas Eve's traveling and missing out on many Christmas Worship Services because there were none on Christmas Day. Secondly, I've always had the fear that Christmas has become so secularized that people would rather not spend the actual holiday as a Holy Day; but, more in line with the expectations of the world. I've kind of thought that maybe Jesus was taking a backseat on Christmas day.

I, personally, feel like I'm slacking by not sharing the Good News on Christmas Day. For years, I insisted on both an eve and a day service. However, due to lack of attendance; (the organist, usher, and me showed up), I finally acquiesced. Now, I go out and try to visit all of our shut-ins on Christmas Day, so that I am still able to proclaim:

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9:6,7

 

I also insisted that we put in a midnight service to replace the service that had been deleted the following morning. We celebrate Christ's birth at Zion, not only at 6 pm on Christmas Eve; but, also at 11 pm. I have a notion that 11 pm might be closer to the time of Christ's actual birth and the service tends to last into the first minutes of Christmas morning.

Despite my personal preferences, it most probably does not really matter when we actually gather to commemorate Christ's birth. We should all be gathering often not only to commemorate his birth, but his life, his death, his resurrection, and his ascension into the Kingdom that he has prepared for us. In every season and in every place, we should, as St. Paul did, make it our ambition to proclaim the Good News so that those who have never heard will hear and understand. Jesus the Christ was born and lived and died and lives again for you! Enter into his peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. As for me, I will celebrate Christ's birth in community today and tomorrow with those who cannot be with us in community this evening. I hope those of you who will gather as community to worship today, will consider doing the same. Merry Christmas!

Romans 1:1-7 Bound and Free

Romans 1:7 NIV
We have finished reading the book of the Acts of the Apostles and have heard much about Paul. Paul is the accepted author of this Epistle to the Romans. We have to back track a bit from where we were yesterday to being Romans. The letter was written before his bondage by the Romans. Paul begins the letter by stating that he is a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God. It is through Christ that this Roman Jew has received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for his name, among whom we are also the called of Jesus the Christ.


Paul is a bondservant of Jesus Christ. He has been call apart from the world to proclaim the name of Jesus to the world. So have we. So have all who believe. By the grace of God we are bondservants to Christ; bound by faith to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom. We are bound to Christ. Even while we are free in this world; we are bound to the Word of God. Thanks be to God!


Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!


God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 14:1-7 Move On

Acts 14:1-7 NIV
Paul and Barnabas have just left Pisidian Antioch because of the trouble stirred up against them. They left shaking the dust off of their feet as a warning to them. (Acts 13:51, Matt 10:14) Today, we find them proclaiming the Good News and performing signs and wonders in Iconium. Many came to believe because of their testimony; but, again many did not. As in Pisidian Antioch, those who refused to believe stirred up trouble against them. They left Iconium, as well, to go to Lystra and Derbe where they continued to preach the Gospel.

Sometimes, it is necessary to shake the dust off of our feet and move on. There may come a time when persecution by a few becomes so prevalent that proclaiming the Gospel becomes secondary to thwarting attacks. It may be that in times like these that it becomes necessary to move on to those who are willing to hear what God has done and is doing for us. As we waste countless hours thwarting attacks by the enemies of God, we should consider how many people we are not reaching with the Gospel. It is a work of the devil to keep us from joyously sharing this Good News.

There are times when it might be necessary to shake the dust off of our feet and move on. May God grant us the wisdom to know when to persevere in one place and when to move on for the sake of the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 13:13-52 Old Testament; Our History

Acts 13:13-52 NIV
Every Sunday, the Sunday School Youth assist in leading the prayers of the church. Before we do this, I usually pause during the service to see what they learned during Sunday School. (I don't do children's sermons well - so I don't do them.) This past Sunday, I was just a little surprised when I asked them what they had learned and the response was that they had learning about Absalom. They actually knew the whole story including how he had turned on his father, David. I wondered how many of our adult members knew the story of Absalom. (I didn't ask for a show of hands.) Knowing our history is very important to help us know who we are and where we are going. That history can be found in the pages of Holy Scripture which definitely includes the Old Testament.

Each Sunday we begin the readings from scripture with the old testament. I have been questioned (a few times) about doing things the same old way every single Sunday and have been told that following this order of service tends to be boring. As we read Acts 13 we can see that this order is not exactly something new that the Lutheran church or any other has just made up out of thin air. There is a purpose to it all.

When Paul proclaimed the Good News in the synagogues, he began by reminding the people of their history. He began by reminding them why they need the Good News of Jesus Christ in the first place. We need to be reminded of all that God has done and will do for His people. We need to be reminded of the reasons God sent His Son to be our salvation. We need to remember our history, for it is indeed our history - the history of the church - and so we begin with an old testament reading every Sunday.

God's Peace - Pastor Judy

Acts 13:4-12 Darkness for Children of the Devil

Acts 13:4-12 NIV
Bar-Jesus (Elymas the sorcerer) was spiritually blind. He was a Jew; in spite of the fact that Jews were forbidden to participate in any type of sorcery. Bar-Jesus worked hard at keeping Proconsul Sergius Paulus from accepting the truth about Jesus the Christ that Barnabas and Saul (also called Paul here) proclaimed. Paul confronted the sorcerer; calling him a child of the devil. He cursed Bar-Jesus with physical blindness for a time.

Of all people, Paul would have understood what it meant to have been spiritually blind. For once his eyes were shut to the truth, as well. His spiritual blindness had been healed as God had given  him physical blindness for a time, as well. The scriptures do not say whether Bar-Jesus came to accept the truth about Jesus the Christ. But, his physical blindness due to Paul's confrontation definitely convinced Sergius Paulus of the truthfulness of Paul's proclamation.

The inability to accept spiritual healing and wholeness sometimes leads to physical ailments even today.  It is not all that unusual for the darkness within us to overwhelm our physical beings, as well. When we choose to act like children of the devil, by undermining the Word of God, we should not be surprised when darkness surrounds us, either.

May God grant us healing and wholeness of body, mind and spirit.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 9:32-43 Peter Gets Around

Acts 9:32-43 NIV

Every now and then, I go up to the Bishop Baraga Shrine to pray. It is situated on a hill at the head of the bay between Baraga and L'Anse. From this vantage point, I can see much of the area that I have been called to serve; but very little of the area that Bishop Baraga served. He was a mover. He covered a goodly portion of Michigan by foot, snowshoe (that's why he's called the Snowshoe Priest) and canoe. When a family summoned him because a loved one was sick or dying; he was there no matter what the distance was.

Peter was a mover, as well. He was moving freely about between communities. He was busy healing people and at bedsides with those who were grieving. His ministry was not confined to a specific place. He, as we all are, was sent to proclaim the Good News to all people.

I am most fortunate to serve with a congregation that understands that my call is not merely as a chaplain to members; but, to minister to all people in the community who are in need. I am most fortunate that I am free to pray with the sick, bury the dead, proclaim the Good News to all people whether they are a member of this congregation or not; even if they have never even visited the congregation.

I spend very few hours in the office and most of those hours are either in the wee hours of the morning or late in the evening. My time is spent within the community, freely moving about and going wherever there is a need for healing and hope; wherever there is a need for the Good News of the Kingdom of Christ Jesus to be proclaimed. I thank God for the people of Skanee who have called me to serve not just them; but, anyone who is in need.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 4:23-31 Hindrances To Proclamation

Acts 4:23-31 NIV
Why, indeed, do the people plot in vain; rising up against the LORD and His Anointed One? 
 
At times, it can be very difficult proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom. The world seems to have set up obstacles all around. There seems to be way too many times when the proclamation that would bring comfort to the people is hindered simply because the time is being spent on distractions caused by dissension. (Rom 16:17-20)

Peter and John had been jailed for proclaiming the Good News for the healing of the lame man. But, they did not allow this distraction to hinder them. They continued to pray and to trust that the LORD would enable them, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to speak His word with great boldness. They prayed that the LORD would stretch out His hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the Jesus.

Do not let the world stand in the way of proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom for all people. Know that God is with you with, guiding and empowering you by the Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ, our LORD.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 9:1-9 The Kingdom is the Proclamation!

Luke 9:1-9 NIV
You know it! I just love it - another chance to remind you of what Jesus sent his followers out to proclaim!

"When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick." (vs 1-2)

You know it! He calls and he sends us out to do lots of good stuff. But, the proclamation of the Good News is this: The Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God for you. Don't be deceived. There is no other good news than Jesus died so that, by faith, you might receive your inheritance, which is the Kingdom of God - life in His eternal presence. Living in His presence, of course means, that you will desire to do His will. You will desire and be empowered to minister to others according to their needs and God's will.

Thanks be to God!
God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 8:1-15 Planting for the Kingdom

Luke 8:1-15 NIV
As Jesus is traveling about the region proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God, he tells a parable about a farmer sowing seeds. Not everyone is getting what he's talking about. They're a bit lost. He tells them, “'Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.' His disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, 'The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, “‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'""(vs 8-9)

Do you get it, yet? It's about the kingdom. It's about how and why it grows. It's all about the Kingdom of God for you and for all who would hear and believe. Faith, after all comes by hearing. (Rom 10:17) Jesus' proclamation was about the Kingdom of God. Those things that he did and taught, they were so that the Kingdom would grow and be edified. They were so that you and I would know life in the Kingdom; life in His presence for all eternity.

God's Peace - Pr. J


P.S. I'm afraid I sometimes give up on putting in the right quote marks in the right place at the right time - so for those of you who know grammar well; forgive me.

Zechariah 8 - Come With Me

"Thus says the Lord of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, the inhabitants of many cities; the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, 'Come, let us go to entreat the favor of the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts; I myself am going.'" (Zech 8:20-21 NIV)

"Come, with me. Let us seek the LORD together." When was the last time you heard words like this? When was the last time you offered this invitation to anyone?  The LORD offers peace to all people, but who will receive it? There are Christians who would look down on others who do not worship the LORD; thereby, breaking any possible bonds of peace between themselves and others. Rather than look down on those who do not know the LORD; how about an attempt or two or more to help them get to know the LORD? Invite them to worship so that they might hear the Word; that others might hear and believe and we might live in peace, reconciled to God and one another.

St Paul wrote to the Romans: "But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?  And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ." (Rom 10:14-17)

How are they to believe, if they do not hear? We can all be evangelists; inviting our neighbors to come with us to seek the LORD of hosts so that all people might know Him and be reconciled to Him and one other in His peace.

Invite your neighbor to worship, so that they too might know the promises and the joy that those promises bring.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ezekiel 34 - Lost Sheep, Lost Shepherds?

We often hear how various congregations/denominations are in decline. Many of them are; but, not all! There are many excuses used. We can blame the demographics. We've all heard that our people are aging, we have no children in the community, or even that all of our young people have moved out of the area for more and better opportunities. Some try to blame the economy. But, if we take a look back in history, we will mostly find that when people hit hard times they were more apt to repent and turn to the LORD than to turn away from him. I don't care where you are, there are people who do not know Jesus, share the story...!

I'm thinking that Ezekiel 34 hits the nail on the head:

"Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not the shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they become food for all the wild animals." (Ezekiel 34:2-5 NIV)

I am at the LCMC Convocation in Dearborn, Michigan. Yesterday, we were asked to consider what we had given up, what we had lost, to follow Jesus; to be his disciples, going forth to share the good news of the Kingdom. What indeed? All around the world people are risking their lives to proclaim the Gospel. But, here in the United States, what are we willing to sacrifice so that our brother or sister might be saved through faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ezekiel 2 - Do Not Be Afraid

Do not be afraid to speak to the people... This was God's word to Ezekiel when He called him to be his prophet. Well, I guess not! Who would be afraid of people once you have come face to face with God; once His Spirit has filled you and stood you up on your feet; when God has sent you?

Do not be afraid to tell the world of our awesome and mighty God; to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ. God is with you. In baptism, He has anointed you with the Holy Spirit. He has called you as His child and sends you to proclaim His love and His desire for all people to be, to live life, in His presence. Do not be afraid. God is with you! Proclaim the Good News!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 1 - No Excuses

Moving on to a new book... Today, we begin reading Jeremiah.

Jeremiah was not exactly enthusiastic about being called as prophet of the LORD. After all, prophets can become pretty unpopular, pretty fast, and you have to make sure you're not making stuff up out of your own head. If you're called to proclaim God's Word, it better be God's Word you are proclaiming and not your own desires. It's really not a good idea to be running around saying "Thus says the LORD," if the LORD doesn't say it.

Jeremiah's response to the LORD calling him as a prophet was: “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” (Jer 1:6 NIV) Sound familiar? How many excuses can we create to not go and do what God would have us do? To not say what God would have us say? To not be what God would have us be? How many excuses have we made not to answer the call of God?

 

The Lord's responded to Jeremiah: “"Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord." (Jer 1:7-8)

 

Don't bother the LORD with excuses. He knows you and He knows the truth. Answering God's call is not always easy, as Jeremiah and multitudes of prophets, would attest. Not everyone is going to like what they hear and you will find a few more enemies along the way. But, God is with you. He will put His words in your mouth. He will rescue you.

 

Have a blessed day... sharing the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ with the world around you.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

 

P.S. By the way, a good place to start in knowing exactly what it is that the LORD says is by reading your Bible or attending worship services so that you might hear it during the reading of the daily lessons.

Isaiah 62 - Member Of A Holy Nation; Kingdom of God

"The Lord has made proclamation
    to the ends of the earth:
“Say to Daughter Zion,
    ‘See, your Savior comes!
See, his reward is with him,
    and his recompense accompanies him.’”
They will be called the Holy People,
    the Redeemed of the Lord;
and you will be called Sought After,
    the City No Longer Deserted." (Isa 62:11-12 NIV)

The LORD declares through Isaiah the Savior comes! And... through Him the people will be reconciled to God. Through Him it is as St. Peter wrote: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10)

How awesome is that! You are a member of a royal priesthood, a holy nation! You belong to God and because you have been called out of the darkness into His marvelous light, you desire to declare praises of Him! That's what those who have been called into relationship with God, those who have been called into His kingdom, do. They proclaim the Good News! That's what Isaiah did! That is what St. Peter did! That is what all members of that holy nation are called to do. How could anyone who has received their inheritance in the holy nation, the kingdom of God, do otherwise?!

So... question for the morning is: are you proclaiming the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord, our Saviour, and our King?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Isaiah 52

Israel will be brought out of bondage by the hand of God. They will not have to hurry. They will not have to sneak away. God will prepare their way. He will prepare their safe passage. Even as He has prepared our way to the promised land, the Kingdom of God. There is no sneaking away in the middle of the night. There is no rush. There may be a few bumps in the road, but we complete the journey, because God is with us.

Returning to the promised land was good news for the people of Israel. There is no better news, today, than the news that all who believe will be delivered from bondage to the promised land, that is the Kingdom of God, through Jesus Christ, our LORD. 

"How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”"   (Isa 52:7 NIV)

Proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom, through Jesus the Christ. Nothing could be more beautiful to the ears than that! Nothing could be more beautiful! Do not doubt, but trust that your God reigns! He has delivered you to His Kingdom!

God's Peace - Pr. J