~ Isaiah 2:4
As I live out my days in the 'land of not-quite-right,' the desert is a reminder of the desolation of the human soul when it is in rebellion against God.
The dry land without vegetation makes me wonder how the desert foxes, birds and other animals survive in a region comparable to the dry, lifeless bones described by the Prophet Ezekiel.
We see the soulless and Godless production of our political structures, the entertainment people seek to fill their lives with in a numbing and dumbing manner, and in our relationships which remain on a superficial level as love is replaced by lust and man disregards his neighbor.
Things certainly can look bleak through foggy eyes.
We also find that it wasn't much different in Biblical times.
Yet, as THE avenue of God's Word in that time, the Prophets absolutely insist that the world will not end in universal defeat, but in joy, peace and satisfaction.
That may be the reason we are given so many miracles during our lives; both minor and major miracles remind us all of our hope.
Need I remind you of the horrid cancer I had?
Or of when I could feel something, over a period of months, changing within my body?
Or of being declared a 'dead man walking' with mere months to live, only to be sitting here writing these words 6 years after my expected death, but cancer free?
Miracles still happen.
Any Christian who believes the miracles of Scripture went out with the Apostles and the closing of the Canon, are simply wrong.
First, it doesn't make any sense Scripturally.
Secondly, I would say if a person did not believe in a true, God-wrought miracle; we're not talking for the slap-stick, huckster, showy things broadcast on television, but a real miracle brought by God; I would say that person understands neither the Word of God nor the Power of God.
In short, they are in danger of becoming a modern-day Sadducee.
But I digress.
The point of the matter is similar to our time, people are filled with fear; while at the same time having a mysterious hope within us.
The political upheaval caused by the last American election by those on the left, was that
I would argue terrorists only seem angry; in reality, they are afraid.
But within the Christian, though fear is all around us, we have a mysterious hope; something we can't quite put our fingers on, but we know that it is there.
When I was sick, I knew this hope so well; it came to life in my life.
Somehow, I knew everything was going to be alright; live or die.
As a result, I was at peace, maybe a greater peace than I had ever known in my life.
For the Christian who is walking by faith, remaining strong, resisting temptation, and relying on the Lord...they have this same hope and peace.
The Prophet Malachi is the last of the Old Testament Canon; after he speaks, God would remain silent for 400 years and not speak to His people.
But the day came when God would speak again, first through John the Baptist and then finally, ultimately through His Son.
All of which, along with every Prophet and Apostle, promise something new in the next world.
In ministry I have seen my share of tragedy and turmoil.
Yet, the message from God is consistent and confident; a time is coming when there is no fear, no false brothers, no betrayal, no cancer, no infants dying, no more tears; in fact, no death at all.
It will be a time when armies cease to wage war; soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines all turning our weapons of war into farming tools.
At that time, God will not speak through something or someone; He will no longer be hidden and speak to us Himself.
With that said, it can be rightly determined that human history, the time in which we live, is a time of transition to something greater and NOT an end unto itself.
But what about today; right now?
Because right now infants do die, false brothers do betray Christians and overthrow pastors, cancer does claim lives, and wars do rage.
Are we, you and I, expected to wait until we die or Christ returns to be satisfied in our desire for the presence of God?
Again, it seems, not-quite-right.
We are not alone in this question.
Once the Prophets died off and God fell silent, the Ancient Israelites began to ask the same questions.
Historically, when the Old Testament canon closed, it seemed to them that Judaism was in vain and their God was in hiding.
Neither was true.
We must remember, as God stayed silent between Malachi's death and the arrival of John the Baptist, His people endured 400 years of silence.
What we feel today when we think God is silent or that He has left us alone is generally very mild compared to the time frame of the Ancient Jews.
Interestingly enough, we beg for God to come near; but when He does approach, the light is so bright we are often scorched.
Throughout the Bible, we see humans respond to God's nearness in fear; creating a greater distance spiritually without fostering faith with a few exceptions.
We become disappointed when God seems distant; times when we begin to lack faith or waver in our hope.
But what could not be achieved through power displays and the voices of the Prophets, it would be won and secured through the suffering of Christ.
In Jesus' suffering and ultimate reconciliation, God has provided the way to draw near to us; yet, we must also draw near to Him.
This street runs both ways.
You and I don't have to be perfect Christians; it's never going to happen anyway.
Our perfection will come in the next world, this too achieved through the suffering of Christ on the Cross.
Our guilt, removed.
Our distance, bridged.
Our hope, secured.
So, walk confidently Christian, in humility.
Share grace with those you can; pray without ceasing with joy in your heart.
Disregard those who try to produce fear within your spirit.
Because, my friend, there is a greater day coming when we will enjoy His everlasting peace.
Until next time, win one for the good guys.
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