Monday, July 27th

I noticed a dichotomy today in the readings. Psalms spoke of God's absolute victory and reign over sin and evil. However, all the other scripture readings spoke unfulfilled promises and the defeat of the righteous. John the Baptist was beheaded, Paul and Barnabas split up because of Mark's return to the mission, and David, who was promised the kingdom of Israel, was cheated out of total reign by Saul's general and son. Psalms remind us that in the midst of unfulfilled promises and defeat, our God waters the earth. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, both good and evil. There will be a day when all will be put to rights. However, our focus in the here and now should be displaying this: "By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas." God is the hope of all the ends of the earth, of all powers and personalities. More than vindication, God desires reconciliation with his creation. There is a day coming where God will "break the teeth in their mouths; tear out the fangs of the young lions." But all of this takes place for this goal: "Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth.”" God's purpose in all things is for mankind to recognize God as God and submit to him. Although we may now be experiencing unfilled promises and defeat, let us display God as the hope of all the ends of the earth so mankind will recognize him as God. Whether or not our lives work out as we have hoped it would is irrelevant and the minor theme in the major story of God. Remember, our hope is in the end of the story. Let us live now for the end.

Lord, help me to live for the end of the story and accrue value in your coming kingdom, instead of worrying about the value of this place.