FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
OUR THEME FOR 2025
(Part 11)
A MIGHTY WARRIOR IN OUR MIDST
December 15, 2024
Today’s readings:
Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Isaiah 12:2-6
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:10-18
“The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty warrior.” (Zep 3:17a). Hallelujah! He protects us, provides for and equips us, gains us victory in the spiritual war we are engaged in. As His holy warriors, our hope abounds!
How do we respond?
First, we cling to God. We look to our lifeline, which is prayer. We persevere in prayer. What elements would be in our prayer?
- We look to Jesus our Savior for strength and power. “For the Lord is my strength and my might, and he has been my salvation.” (Is 12:2b).
- We give the Lord the worship that is His due. With joyful shout. “Shout with exultation, City of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.” (Is 12:6). In joyful song. “Sing praise to the Lord for he has done glorious things” (Is 12:5a).
- We are profuse in gratitude for what Jesus does for us. “And you will say on that day: give thanks to the Lord, acclaim his name” (Is 12:4a). Be thankful each and every day.
- We seek his guidance. He is Master and Teacher. Look not so much to self and to others, but ultimately just to Jesus. Always ask, “What then should we do?” (Lk 3:10,12,14a). Seek his guidance, and then conform to what he tells you. At times, or many times, what Jesus tells us will be radical (Lk 3:11,13,14b). Strive to obey and trust in his guidance and support.
- We fully trust in Jesus. Have no fear or anxiety, whatever your seemingly dire circumstances in life. “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” (Phil 4:6). Entrust your cares to him. Let go and let God.
Second, as our work and mission engage us in spiritual war, with an enemy that is much more powerful than us, we will be afflicted. All the more, we look to the One more powerful than our enemy. That is Jesus. In him, we can endure in affliction. Why? Because “the King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear.” (Zep 3:15c). He will protect, heal, revive, restore, renew us. In, with and through Jesus, we are able to endure anything and everything.
- “The Lord has removed the judgment against you” (Zep 3:15a). We are reconciled with God, and so we have His protection and provision.
- “He has turned away your enemies” (Zep 3:15b). Jesus has already crushed the head of the serpent. We are on the victorious side.
- The Lord “will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love”(Zep 18a). He “will sing joyfully because of you, as on festival days.” (Zep 3:17c-18a). We know we rejoice in the Lord; but the Lord rejoicing over us? Wow!
So never be afraid, if you cling to Jesus. “Do not fear, Zion, do not be discouraged!” (Zep 3:16b). Always say to yourself, and it is true, “God indeed is my salvation; I am confident and unafraid.” (Is 12:2a).
Third, with all the above, with even God rejoicing over us, we rejoice in hope.
- Because Jesus is our Savior. “With joy you will draw water from the fountains of salvation.” (Is 12:3). We have been saved, and are continuing to be saved.
- Because as God’s people we belong to Him. “Shout for joy, daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, daughter Jerusalem!” (Zep 3:14). We are part of the family of God!
- This is a constant joy, that even the greatest challenges and woes cannot overcome. We rejoice in all circumstances. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!” (Phil 4:4). Our rejoicing in hope, despite any and all circumstances, gives us peace. “Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:7). Hard to understand in the midst of woes, but true.
We know that God is a God of miracles, who does wonders. Put your faith in Jesus and expect him to powerfully work in your life. Even with John the Baptist, “the people were filled with expectation” (Lk 3:15a). They were so awed by him and his works that “all we asking in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah.” (Lk 3:15b). Well, we do have the Messiah, and he is Jesus.
With the overwhelming good news of Jesus, how further should we respond?
- We do not let God’s blessings go to our head, nor let our successes fill us with sinful pride. That leads to sure downfall. Just like John the Baptist, we know our place. He said “one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.” (Lk 3:16). Knowing his place, and being humble with the people’s acclaim, was what empowered John as God’s instrument.
- We do not lose track of the ultimate goal, which is eternal life with God. We live and work in the here and now, as we look with hope to the hereafter. We soberly know that there will be a final judgment. Where much is given much is expected. If we fail God, out of neglect or rebellion, we will be “the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” (Lk 3:17).
- Up to the end of days, we dedicate our lives to serve God, family and others. We are faithful servants, dependable instruments, defenders of family and life, holy warriors. “Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near.” (Phil 4:5).
Let us continue to spread the good news of salvation in Jesus to one and all. “Among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name.” (Is 12:4b). We continue with our worldwide evangelization. “Let this be known throughout all the earth.” (Is 12:5b). We follow the example of John the Baptist. “Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.” (Lk 3:18).
Jesus IS the good news.
And his good news is for all, especially those weary, discouraged, oppressed, trodden down.
Hope abounds.
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