Defender or Defended

Manhood in a broken world demands that we prove that we are a man— that we are strong, powerful and we take no mess from no one. We demand respect and if wronged our fallen world says, take up your sword, pay him/her back, get even or get ahead.

In Matthew 27 the friends, crowds, leaders, even the passers by demand that Jesus retaliate (against betrayal), defend Himself (against false accusations), protect Himself (from the mob shouting crucify), and rescue Himself (from the suffering, abuse, shame, and pain of the cross). They demand that He do say something and/or do something in order to prove Himself the Son of God.

Yet, it was His humility, honesty, peacefulness, faithfulness, obedience, and dogged refusal to retaliate coupled with His otherworldly show of grace, compassion, and mercy from that very cross (the pinnacle of injustice, abuse, and wrong) that proved, even in His death, that “Truly this was the Son of God! (Matthew‬ ‭27:54‬ ‭ESV‬‬)."

Our fallen world says, take up your sword.  Countless times we are told and taught, don’t let anyone disrespect you; if you hurt me I'm gonna hurt you right back, harder. Our fallen world demands that we return insult for insult, injury for injury and abuse for abuse.  Our fallen world demands a man (or woman) avenge, pay him/her back, get even, or better yet— get ahead. But then, Jesus! The GOD of the Universe declares— trust and obey the Father and leave the rest up to me (vengeance, repayment, etc.).

It might seem foolish to you. It  might seem hard or almost impossible now.  It may even feel like you are forsaken by God, as you wait on Him. But, in your obedience and faithfulness He will defend you, justify you, make your rightness revealed, and grow your righteousness.  And, because you elected to be defended by The Just and True God instead of being your own defender, many will not only know that you aren't just a man (or woman), but that you are a Kingdom man (or woman) and even more, a lost or fearful brother or sister may declare His name because you obeyed His Word.

May God strengthen you in your trial and openly and abundantly bless and reward your faithfulness.

Steadfast Faithfulness

Lamentations 3:22-23, "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness." (RSV)

"Seasons come and go, but God's faithfulness remains the same.  Life will twist and turn, but God is" steadfast, forever faithful and always true.  "Our doubts [and difficulties] don't change His great faithfulness"— nor erase His promises and their everlasting fulfillment in Christ.

In the midst of the most uncomfortable, unfamiliar, most unsteady, and dare I say most undesirable season we have ever experienced—  this 2020 pandemic—  "let's be expectant and hopeful", trusting, believing, and hoping in the One who does not lie, "cannot lie, never changes His mind, never forgets His Word, and has never failed" us yet!  He is faithful and steadfast, and His steadfast love never ceases, never come to an end.   By His great faithfulness and compassion, He will be faithful to see us through it all.

Grace and peace to you— especially in this and every season "that feels uncomfortable, unfamiliar and ever-changing."

—— 

Quotes from Nicki Koziarz.