Saturday, March 9, 2024

Pastor's Pondering, March 9, 2024

We Really Need God’s Direction in 2024

 

In 2024, the United States of America is engaged in a high-stakes election where the vision of this country will determine the future. We must get past the rhetoric about who will have bragging rights for the next few years, get serious, and seek God.  Whatever one’s political persuasion, people are dying at home and abroad.  However, many seem more focused on their group’s talking points and less about what is good for the overall country (Isaiah 5:20, 21).

 

What is God saying about this election?  Most will argue that God is on their side. Notwithstanding, this is what the Bible says. As the children of Israel approached Jericho, Joshua saw an armed man whom many commenters say was Jesus. He asked the armed man on whose side was He.  The armed man said, ““Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.”

 

Joshua understood quickly that he had had to get on the Lord’s side and responded,“What message does my Lord have for his servant?” (Joshua 5:13-14). This is what our leaders, followers, and all of those in between must say during 2024.  What is God truly saying?  He may not be saying what we think He is saying to support our agenda. The Bible tells us that the Spirit of Truth will give us direction (John 16:13).  God advises us to ask for His wisdom (James 1:5).  God promised to guide our steps (Psalm 32:8).

 

It is long past time for posturing. Now is the time to pray. We need to stop arguing with each other and start entreating God. We must cease looking to our own interests and to look to Jesus who began and will mature our faith (Hebrews 12:2).  Since we really need God’s direction, let us not depend upon temporary worldly leadership, but implore His eternal leadership.

 

Isaiah 5:20, 21
New International Version

20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.

 

Joshua 5:13-14

New International Version

13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”

14 “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”

 

John 16:13

New International Version

13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

 

James 1:5

New International Version

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

 

Psalm 32:8

New International Version

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

 

Hebrews 12:2

New International Version

2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

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