In one of my previous posts, I shared something with you that I was given from the Lord during a time of personal searching of my own heart and linked to that a deep longing to hear how God felt about what was happening in His world. HERE It is clear that change is needed in our society today which includes transformation within our culture. But, we also need a change in our own perspectives. By this, I mean seeing things as God sees them so that we might act upon them in our speaking, living, and praying.
And we, as God’s people have been given the responsibility to be light in dark places. To bring hope where there is none. What a privilege and at the same time a challenge to be salt and light in our society. When we embrace our own way of doing things the result is we can so easily become distracted and fall into the trap of rebellion, causing chaos, confusion, and anxiety, and this takes its toll upon our lives. Jesus invites us to see life from His perspective. This is where we start. This is where everything starts.
Because of the fast pace of life, it becomes our choice to stop and think about where we are going without being overwhelmed by what we see going on around us. We stop to think but also to pray because prayer is our first response to God rather than an afterthought. Where we start is a critical question that we must ask ourselves and in so doing God can then make it clear what He wants of us. Eugene Peterson puts it like this, “Waiting in prayer is the disciplined refusal to act before God acts.”[1]
Priceless Treasure
Paul reminds us of His priceless treasure within the fragile clay pots of our lives so that the splendid power of this treasure can be seen to truly belong to God. I am not wanting to detail the uncertainty of our times or highlight world news because it can dull and distract our proper focus of attention. We do not measure the ‘ways of God’ by what is happening in the world. We can only shape our thinking and stir our hearts to worship when we are preoccupied with what is happening around The King.
All Things New
There is something altogether different going on in the heavens and the earth. Unseen certainty anchored in hope and the reckless love demonstrated by Jesus through His death, burial, and bodily resurrection. This unseen work of the Holy Spirit is not advertised in the local newspaper or given as an option in a market survey, but it is surely happening.
Adversity may well be part of those birth pangs that have been close and real in the last eighteen months. I’ve written about this in a previous post. HERE But these birth pangs of a pandemic, earthquakes, famines, hunger, polarisation of opinions, and self-preservation are growing. Participation within God’s new creation – “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on the earth as it is in heaven.” [2] This prayer will intensify and become reality as we pray and trust Him even above all the noise and distractions we will certainly hear Him more clearly say, “I am making everything new!”
Yes, everything is being renewed, because of His resurrection power, and this work will continue throughout all Creation. And the pinnacle of God’s new creation will be His dwelling place. His people. “And in Him, you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.” [3]
He Is Worthy
As we consider these things we will see a picture forming within the eyes of our hearts. Many standing in awe and listening to the voice, undistracted by trepidation, fear, and anxiety. And we will hear a new song of victory and transforming life pervading every dark corner of society. Washing away the noise and babble of empty and purposeless living. Yet, as we look with faith in our hearts again we will hear the sound of the heavenly song. “Is He Worthy?” And our response, “He Is!” A new song – “Is He Worthy?” Yes, yes, yes – Jesus is worthy. Worthy of our affections, our love, our time, and our worship. There is much to learn of His resurrection ways.
- Earth and Altar – The Community of Prayer in a self bound society. Eugene Peterson.
- Matthew 6:10
- Ephesians 2:22