Living in Israel is like living in no other country. With which of the nations did G-d, the Creator of the universe make an eternal covenant? In which country has He placed a city where He says He will dwell? Where are the people He has set apart as His own unique treasure?
Daily The 2 Spies are exceedingly grateful at the chesed, grace, that G-d has shown by allowing us to live here in the Land. None of us completely understands why we have been given this honor and responsibility. But we are humbled by it and thoughtfully live out our days here.
There are times, like this week, when events are enough to break one's heart. Sometimes we feel caught up in the rolling tide of life and circumstance that we wonder that we don't drown. Perspective is hard to retain. True reality almost impossible to keep in focus.
Sitting in a concert last night of Handel's Messiah, the truth of Torah came to restore reality and focus. From the beginning chorus ~Nachamu ami ~ Comfort my people ~ we were reminded of the Covenant keeping G-d who is not moved by circumstance. He is fully aware and in charge. There are no surprises for Him. And as such, resting on the Everlasting Arms there are no surprises for us. There is comfort for the broken hearted. There is rest for the weary and there is Hope for the future. The Future is already written and He is already there.
He is already in the future. And we are with Him.
ReplyDeleteDecember 24th 2010 (33) 2/2
ReplyDelete(2) … He keeps His promises:
“I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered.” [Ps 89:34]
Hallelu Yah!
“He shall feed His flock,” from The Messiah: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9rw3RLv9AY
“He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: and He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” [Is 40:11]
“Behold I tell you a mystery ... The trumpet shall sound,” from The Messiah:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYRSPPrDjG0
“Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. 55“O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” 56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; 57but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Messiah.” [1 Cor 15:51-57]
“Worthy is the Lamb that was Slain,” from The Messiah:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOmVE7t8pBE&playnext=1&list=PLD8ED7467D5E858D2&index=32
“Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise!” [Rev 5:11-12]
Hallelu Yah!
Steve Perry <><
December 24th 2010 (33) 1/2
ReplyDeleteYou have been given the honour of living in the Land because:
(1) the LORD has said so …
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendour. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. 5 Aliens will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. 6 And you will be called priests of the LORD, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. 7 Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. 8 "For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity. In my faithfulness I will reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed." 10 I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.” [Is 61:1-11]
“But you, O mountains of Israel, will produce branches and fruit for my people Israel, for they will soon come home.” [Ezk 36:8 NIV]
Steve Perry UK