Is personal peace enough? Once a believer is saved and safe (and his family) is it permitted to relax and enjoy the ride? I have been impressed this week with the heart of King Josiah. (Thanks for reading the Re verse passage in unity with the FBC family) 2 Chronicles tells of his concern for the nation of Judah even after Huldah prophesies that he himself will be spared. “Your eyes will not see the evil that I (God) will bring on this place (Jerusalem)” Like Abraham (Genesis 19) pleading the mercy of God, and unlike Hezekiah who in similar situation is satisfied to save his own skin (read 2 Kings 20 for this sad report), Josiah presses forward to explore the available mercy of God for others. He cares about His nation. Today as we pray the Lord’s prayer will we do the same? We will spread our net of concern over a wide circle? Followers of Christ have a larger goal than personal peace.
Ephesians 3:14-21
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
I am on a balcony overlooking the ocean as the day begins and praying for our nation….for purity and holiness…. for protection and provision. I am so glad He has all the answers. The above prayer has been placed on my heart to pray over my nation and area of influence. I will certainly join you in continuing to pray for our nation/others.