Advent Day 13 - For ever and ever...

Week of PEACE

Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
    a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.  PSALM 45:6

The Hebrew word used for God in this passage is Elohim, meaning the strong one, the supreme God.  This same reference is used in Genesis: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  It is stated in the plural, not referencing multiple gods; rather  indicating plurality within the Godhead - Father, Son & Holy Spirit.

..."for ever and ever" points us to time that is concealed, past and future, beyond what we know as "time."  It presses us to know that there is something beyond what can be fully seen in this world.

Father, Son & Holy Spirit...

 ALL present at creation and reigning for eternity!

Can you hear the assurance Jesus is giving to His disciples and to us when He says:

“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.”  JOHN 16:33 

God continually gives us temporal illustrations of eternal truths!  A scepter...a ceremonial or emblematic staff held by a royal representative that represents divine power. 

Divine power, bringing justice... making everything right...straight...even!  He will make it right, and pleasant, and prosperous in His kingdom. The consistency of his faithfulness in the past gives us assurance for His faithfulness in the future.   We're called to trust that He will do everything He promises to do!  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;

    fear the Lord and shun evil.  PROVERBS 3:5-7

He promised peace in Him, not necessarily peacefulness in this broken world.  Waiting is often hard.  This season of Advent is a reminder that we are still waiting for the promises of God that are still "not yet."  This time of waiting begs us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding.  

In receiving His grace, we receive the keys to the kingdom...the now-in-part, and the not-quite-yet kingdom to come.  Hear it as we pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven...  MATTHEW 6:9-11

 Receive the PEACE of the Lord and share it with someone on earth today!