The devil makes all the nations raging rebels. Jesus has called us to make all the nations disciples, so that all peoples everywhere can know the peace and joy of living in Him. Today’s excerpt from The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart is found on page 202:
“In brief, God’s response to the raging of the world is to point to His King, enthroned over His Church, and advancing His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. The Lord’s answer to the rebellion of our age is neither political, nor cultural, nor economic. It is spiritual and personal, centered in the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and gesturing toward the new reality of His Kingdom.
“Men rage against God with fire in their minds, as James H. Billington explained, referring to the revolutionary passion for autonomy in Fire in the Minds of Men. God, however, does not fight fire with fire. He does not offer dissatisfied, disobedient men new and better ideas. He does not hold out to them improved systems and institutions, or more conservative leaders and traditional values.
“His response to the raging of the nations is not to recommend more wholesome culture.
“Instead, God gestures toward true and full reality, a spiritual realm which, having once dawned cannot be extinguished and must drive back the darkness of vanity and rage wherever it becomes established in the souls of those who believe. Men rage against God and His Law; God points to Jesus and the work He has accomplished in destroying the devil and his deceiving ways, and opening the gate to eternal life in the Kingdom of God.”
For reflection or discussion
1. In what way is Jesus the answer to the raging of nations?
2. How have you experienced Jesus as the solution to your anger and rebellion?
We all have a bit of that rebellious, raging spirit still at work within us. But whenever it raises its ugly head, we look to Jesus in His exaltation and glory and call on Him to keep us at peace. Imagine what this world would be like if all the nations looked to Jesus. Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to discuss the peace of Jesus. We always encourage you to do this, because this is a way God can cause His grace to touch others through you. Your copy of The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart is waiting for you at The Ailbe Bookstore, either in book form or a free PDF download.
T. M. Moore
