October 23, 2024

Viewing all things through the lens of the True and the beautiful!

The True

The Peace Out There

Peace is a complex concept. It is something all of us naturally desire on at least some level, but our definitions of peace vary drastically. Scripture tells us plainly that peace should be desired and pursued (1 Pet. 3:11). You and I, as Jesus followers, are instructed to be peacemakers (Matt. 5:9), and are even described by Isaiah as ambassadors of peace (Is. 33:7).

So, if we all desire peace, and if so many of us are rightly pursuing it, why is it so elusive? Why, if we are engaging in a God-affirmed pursuit of peace, would so many of us acknowledge being in a state that is less than the “perfect peace” described in Isaiah 26:3?

The answer lies almost exclusively in the fact that you and I too often pursue a peace out there.

You want peace in your relationships.

I want peace in my circumstances.

We want peace in our world, and in the growing wars and conflicts we see around us.

When we think about where we want to see or have peace, we think about what is out there.

It is certainly true: God can and does move mightily to deliver us from hostile circumstances and to inject peace into chaotic environments. The Psalms are full of declarations—many of them by David as he fled from his enemies—of God’s provision of peace through deliverance from what is out there.

Even so, the most consistent characteristic of a true and lasting God-given peace has nothing to do with what does or does not change out there.

True, lasting, God-given and sustained peace is entirely about being in Him.

Don’t take my word for it:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33).

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (Jn. 14:27).

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Is. 26:3).

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Col. 3:15).

There are plenty more, but you get the idea. We serve a God who can and does deliver, but that really has nothing to do with the peace He offers us. The peace He has invited you to possess and walk in is available at all times and in all circumstances. It is available in that abundant fashion because it is not found in anything out there, but rather found wholly in Him.

Friends, I know this is a very familiar concept. But it is not one we readily embrace, and one that needs to take firm hold in our minds and hearts.

When was the last time your peace was shaken because of something out there? A relationship? A financial strain? A broken dream? A troubling headline?

The last time for me was . . . a few minutes ago!

We simply decline to rest in the abundance of peace freely offered under the shadow of the Almighty’s wing (Ps. 17:8, Ps. 57:1, Ps. 91:4). We are looking for it out there when it is only truly found in Him.

What a gift you have, my friend! You are tasked with pursuing peace, and you will find it wholly within the One who already infills you! Your peace—a promised and lasting peace—isn’t out there somewhere. It is in Him, and it is in you and intended to be spread to others through you!

World

Hamas Leader Killed

The leader of Hamas is dead after an operation by Israeli Defense Forces in Gaza. Yahya Sinwar was the architect of the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel that sparked the current war in Gaza, and has been living in tunnels since shortly before those attacks. Sinwar’s death was announced by Israel and confirmed by Hamas, and Israeli planes dropped leaflets into Gaza announcing the death and proclaiming, “Hamas will no longer rule Gaza.”

Meanwhile, U.S. officials expressed concern about the unauthorized release of classified documents detailing Israeli military operations related to the ongoing war with Hezbollah on the Lebanon border. President Joe Biden dispatched Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Israel with a message that justice has been carried out with Sinwar, concern for the intelligence leak, and a renewed call for a cease-fire.

Analysis and eternal perspective: War is ugly. As Jesus followers, we should always view it through a biblical lens, and we at The Equipped have been consistently considering the developments of this war through a set of biblical principles outlined here. Scripture is clear that evildoers will be met with justice, and the result can be joyous to those who are liberated (Pr. 21:15). Sinwar’s actions related to the October 7, 2023 attacks (and beyond) were indescribably evil, and the fate he met this week reflected the consequences of those actions.

Sinwar’s death, however, is very unlikely to change the reality of the hateful opposition faced by Israel. Whether it be Hamas, Hezbollah, or others, the antisemitic attacks on Israel are all but certain to continue. We should continue to see and speak clearly about this reality, and to unequivocally support our Jewish brothers and sisters in the face of these attacks.

We should be equally clear that the gift of salvation through the finished work of Jesus on the cross is for everyone. Jesus conquered death by leaving the tomb on the third day, and His conquering offers a path to forgiveness for all who would believe (Rom. 6:23; Acts 10:43). May it be our prayer this week: “Father, may both those advancing evil and those suffering under its spread come to know your all-surpassing love and grace through Jesus!”

World

Power Grid Collapse and a Hurricane

More than 10 million people in Cuba were without power after the electric grid collapsed as Hurricane Oscar approached the island nation early this week. The outage was not due to the storm, but rather to the deteriorating state of Cuba’s power grid. The lack of power made the impact of Oscar even more significant, and officials and residents continue to assess the loss of life and property damage.

Analysis and eternal perspective: It is a devastating one-two punch, especially for the millions of Cubans living with limited resources. The power grid is now failing on a regular basis, a reality rooted in the limitations of the dictatorial control that has marked Cuba’s governance since Fidel Castro. While this root cause may be rather straightforward to identify, it does little to aid those currently suffering under its consequences. Millions are now in the dark and dealing with the aftermath of a significant storm.

We should look for ways to help in the immediate aftermath of these disasters, yes. But let us also consider the path forward when the lights are all back on (as we pray they will be soon).

A lasting change in the way Cuba is governed will require leadership from the Cuban people. It will also require support from freedom-loving people everywhere. You and I know God set freedom in the heart of every person (Gal. 5:1). That freedom has a flourishing impact on society when it is lived out properly. Let’s together consider how to use our freedom—both in Jesus and within our tangible world—to promote flourishing for our Cuban brothers and sisters.

World

Death in Exile

Fethullah Gulen has died in exile in Pennsylvania. Gulen was an Islamic cleric best known for his opposition to Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and is widely associated with supporting the 2006 attempted coup of Erdogan—an association Gulen denied. Erdogan and Gulen were once political allies, but their fallout was significant enough to land Gulen at the top of Erdogan’s enemy list. Gulen lived the final 25 years of his life in exile in the U.S. and remains a polarizing figure in Turkey and around the world.

Analysis and eternal perspective: Gulen was despised so deeply by Erdogan that he become a bargaining chip in the 2017 negotiations between the U.S. and Turkey for the release of American pastor Andrew Brunson, who was jailed by Turkey on trumped up charges related to his Christian faith. While the U.S. refused to extradite Gulen, and Brunson was eventually freed, the incident highlighted Erdogan’s obsession with—and likely the threat he felt from—Gulen.

Gulen’s death also leaves a significant void for those who followed his teachings. You and I know there is only one way to truly fill that void, and it is with the love of Jesus Christ.

Each of us is drawn to slightly different human iterations of “truth.” But in reality, Truth has only one ultimate source. Only one name—the name of Jesus—offers true freedom (Jn. 8:32, Jn. 14:6). Gulen’s death is a reminder of this reality and should reinvigorate our efforts to help others enter into a personal relationship with the Savior.

The Beautiful

Chickens Sing

The Beautiful has a chicken theme lately! This is Bud, and she is a total people chicken! We are sharing her with you in this space to remind you that God’s joy can be found through so many aspects of His creations! Psalm 148 is a beautiful description of this truth (you can read the whole chapter here). Verse 10 lists “small creatures and flying birds” among the many things that exist to praise the Lord!

All creation sings and shouts His name! But you, my friend, are the pinnacle of creation and the object of His great affection! Sing His praise!

Don’t forget to check out the broadcast version of The Equipped on Faith Radio or wherever you get your podcasts!