It was an interesting week here in the Middle East. Well maybe that is an understatement.
We witnessed first hand how a nation welcomed back their lost son. We saw how a country celebrated the safe return of one of their kidnapped soldiers, despite the heavy price tag. We learned that a human life is valued and loved here in this tiny nation. The people of Israel cried silent tears before the television as they remembered the lives of the hundreds of people who died as the result of terrorism. More than a thousand prisoners received grace and went home. Will they be thankful?
At the same moment we watched how a people captured their leader, tore him to pieces and slit his throat. The killing of a human being is a horrible thing to watch, no matter who it is. Only one thing came to mind: the people have become as vicious as their leader. The contrast of events couldn’t have been bigger.
As I pondered about the week's events I was reading Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and just had to stop here, May you come to know His love-although it can never be fully known-and so be completely filled with the very nature of God. (Ephesians 3:19). Those words really stayed with me the whole week. God is love, it is His desire that we come to know His love. Why? Because it will fill us with His nature, which is love. And where there is love, all fear, all anger, all rage, all failure will disappear.
A word of promise and hope for believers, but I kept thinking... how in the world do we get this message to the heart of people who know no love?
Please pray!
How in the world do I know? It's not possible at all ...
ReplyDeleteBut even then, I know Who holds the future. And more than that, I believe for Him nothing is impossible.
That's why we have to pray, indeed, for sure ...!
Marja:
ReplyDeleteOne of my Facebook friends shared with us the scripture Ezekiel 18:23."'Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?' declares the sovereign Lord,'rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?'"(NIV)
Anton, if I see the rage and the hatred it seems impossible to reach them, but I know it IS possible, prayer works, it is a spiritual battle at it's roots.
ReplyDeleteQuietspirit, thanks for your comment, THAT is indeed the cry of the Father's heart!
ReplyDeleteWhat a difference in the two scenarios! OOne of love and one of hate.
ReplyDeleteOnly prayer and the power of God can change things. How wonderful when Jesus returns and we have peace of r some yeaers at least.
The events of the world show the desperate need of the people to know Jesus! I'm praying and am trusting God that even these events will be used by God to bring some souls to Him.
ReplyDeleteHi Marja - so true, how do we get the message out? We can pray and we can make a difference to those who come into our lives. That is something we can do.
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy
Yes Wyn, what a difference in scenario's... day and night! We must pray for ALL people!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment Joan, I believe too that behind anger is the need to be loved!
ReplyDeleteTracy, good to see you, thanks for leaving your thoughts. Prayer is powerful!
Surely now more than ever, it is time to pray!
ReplyDeleteHi, I just awarded you and your blog the "Tell me about yourself award" Check out my blog for the details...http://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteHi Marja -
ReplyDeletePeople are hungry to know God, but they go looking in the wrong places. When their god demands hatred, they comply. Their only hope is to meet the One, who is love.
Blessings,
Susan
The Holy Spirit alone can reveal such a message to our sinful hardened hearts. Our part is to simply give what we've been given whether it is received or not...and to pray. He alone does the rest.
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more about death being a horrible thing to watch no matter who it involves.
Thank you for sharing, Marja.
Blessings to you.
When Jesus returns, ther will be Peace and love, untill then we can only pray
ReplyDeleteKaren, time to pray, you're right!
ReplyDeleteCathy, you're a doll, I'll hop over!
Susan, thanks for your comments, love never fails, right?! I pray they will experience God's love!
Marcia, thanks for your kind and wise words. Yes, only the Holy Spirit will reveal God's love in people's hearts. I pray this will happen asap!
Theda, I couldn't agree more.
ReplyDeleteI visited your blog, but the Twitter link does not work...