Readings for today: Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20-21
I am finishing up a week in southern South Sudan. From a human perspective, it’s one of the most hopeless places on the planet. There is no rule of law. Violent gangs roam the country stealing and killing indiscriminately. A major drought decimated the harvest this year, leaving millions on the brink of starvation. The drought was followed by significant flooding which ruined what was left of the crops and washed away many communities. The government is corrupt and exploits their own people. Resources are scarce at best. Anyone who begins to build anything positive like a business or a farm becomes a target. Even global relief groups like the United Nations have largely abandoned this place. The helplessness and hopelessness seem impossible to overcome. But God is not done here. He is on the move. He is planting the seeds of new creation through the men and women we train as church planters. Their churches become community hubs of hope. They are fountain of living waters in a dry and thirsty land.
This is the power of resurrection. When God raised Jesus from the dead, He gave the world a foretaste of new creation. A glimpse of future restoration. An echo of future glory breaking through. The resurrection reminds us death will not have the victory. The evil one will not get the final word. There will come a day when weeping and crying and mourning will be no more. Darkness will flee once and for all as the light of God’s presence fills the earth. This is what gives us hope. It’s what gives our church planters hope. Hope in the face of unfathomable challenges and immense suffering. Hope while living in a failed state and corrupt system. Hope that despite everything we see and experience, God is moving. God is working. God is bringing about the fulfillment of His perfect plan.
All of us face obstacles in this life. This world is full of trials and tribulations. It is not easy and we often find ourselves feeling helpless or hopeless or lost or afraid. But the same Spirit that raised Christ Jesus from the dead lives inside of you by faith! The same power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead empowers you! The same supernatural authority that brought light out of darkness and new life out of death is ours in Christ Jesus! So trust Him! Believe Him! And keep your eyes on the future glory He has prepared for you!
Readings for tomorrow: Acts 1-4, Psalms 110