Pocket Thoughts - 3/6/26
God * will one day silence violence and call the walls of His kingdom Salvation and its gate Praise * has made His children by the work of His hands for the display of His splendor * gives us the honor of proclaiming His good news – we have a Savior!
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When King Cyrus offered to the Jews exiled in Babylon the opportunity to return to Jerusalem, only the tribes of Benjamin and Judah and the priests and Levites were willing to go. “Everyone whose heart God had moved” (Ezra 1:5) began to prepare for the journey back to their homeland. It would be a hard trip. Four months of travel on difficult, dangerous roads was a costly trip – only to arrive to a destination in ruins and inhabited by hostile people. The returning exiles went into the situation with their eyes wide open and focused not on the ruins, but on their Redeemer. Persian records kept during the time of the exile indicate that many Jews had gained great wealth in Babylon. They were settled in their homes and communities. Going back to Jerusalem would mean an end to their comfortable lifestyles. Most were unwilling. “But God…” He moved the hearts of one group of people who were willing. Their desires prioritized God’s plans over their own. Seventy years in captivity had humbled them. They were now pliable in God’s hands and ready to move forward. Following God begins with humility – bowing low before the King. He welcomes a humble heart and is able to help us in our journey as we seek His desires above all else. The journey will be arduous at times, but our Travel Companion will see us safely to our destination. Along the way, we’ll be changed into a beautiful reflection of our kind, strong, loving God. Don’t hesitate. Follow. – TV
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In the current cultural moment in this country, being a Christ follower carries little societal cost. People who dislike the Church or Christians very rarely resort to physical violence or destruction of property. Christians here don’t go to bed at night afraid of attack, kidnapping or other horrible possibilities. Our faith costs us little. Not so for many of our brothers and sisters around the world. In the story of the man born blind in John 9, this now-seeing man ecstatically praises God and willingly tells the story of his healing. He’s cursed by the religious leaders and expelled from the synagogue. But these prideful men cannot take from him his amazing story and his new-found belief in Jesus. Our faith in Jesus may one day result in persecution in this life, but our eternity with the Lord in heaven is secure. Rest in the promise of your life to come, and pray for the family of God around the world. No amount of persecution can rob God’s people of their amazing stories of new life in Christ! – TV
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In the opening chapter of the book of Esther, we meet King Xerxes, reigning monarch of the Persian-Median empire. This area included Babylon, where many Jews from the exile had settled and made their homes. King Xerxes threw an elaborate celebration that lasted for 180 days. His guest list included his nobles, officials, military leaders, princes of Persia and Media, and the nobles of the provinces. Opulence and extravagance were meant to impress these men of power and position. The story doesn’t mention King Xerxes’ intentions for this gathering, but because of its historical timing, the thought is that this was a planning session to develop a battle strategy for an upcoming invasion of Greece. This was the custom of Persian kings, demonstrating to their guests that they had sufficient wealth to launch, sustain, and gain the conquest in a military operation. King Xerxes held nothing back in flaunting the decadence of his wealth. He went down in history as a proud, impulsive man. He used everything at his disposal to satisfy his every whim and desire. God is generous and good, meeting our every need and giving to us liberally and wisely; however, every resource He gives us comes with responsibility. We’re blessed to be a blessing, to receive His gifts with humility and gratitude, and to liberally share His abundance with others. God’s ultimate generosity came in the sacrificial death of His Son Jesus Christ on the cross – to pay the sin debt we could never pay. This lavish gift is what compels us to live with open hands and giving hearts. – TV
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Father God, just as You “moved the hearts” of the remnant returning from exile to Jerusalem, move my heart to faithful, loving obedience and glad, selfless service in the Name of my King Jesus. Keep me strong in the face of opposition. Give me compassion and grace for those who treat me unkindly or unfairly. Let Your wisdom fill my mind so that I operate from a place of discernment and confidence in Your sovereign plan. I’m sobered by the depravity and pride of evil leadership and the cruelty and oppression imposed on those entrusted to their care. But my hope is in You, Lord. Holy God of perfect justice, the Day is promised and is coming when every wicked idea, word, and activity is exposed and incinerated in the fire of Your righteous wrath. While time remains, may the lost hear the call of the Spirit and be found in humility, repentance, and Your welcoming arms. May I and all of Your people be found living out “patient endurance and faithfulness” (Revelation 13:10b) to the end. You move hearts. By the Spirit’s power, move my feet to carry the gospel to my little corner of the world. By the saving work of Jesus and in His beautiful Name, amen.
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“The kingdom of God will outlast them all. Every single power structure; every royal family; every government; every banking system; every mighty army; every seemingly insurmountable, immovable ruler…all will pass away. But this is the kingdom that simply can’t be shaken, and that is the basis for this joy, this sense of well-being that transcends circumstances.” – Brant Hansen
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“This is love for God; to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” – 1 John 5:3-5
