Crisis ConvertedSample

Theme: Hope in the Lord

Crisis Converted Then:

How will the world know that Yahweh is God? He will overturn the powerful oppressors so that they serve his lowly people. Foreign peoples will serve God’s people. Powerful leaders will nurture God’s people. Warriors will offer up treasure to God’s people. 

Just as God’s people were ushered out of Egypt when the mighty Pharaoh cringed under God’s power, so too this people will leave Babylon’s enslavement by God’s mighty hand of rescue. Just as Egyptians gave God’s people treasure on their way out, so too Babylon will fund God’s people in their return. The Mighty One of Jacob is worth hoping in!

Crisis Converted Now:

In the birth of Jesus, God escalated his overturning of the world's established powers. In Jesus, the poor in spirit have the kingdom of heaven. The meek inherit the earth. The hungry are filled with good things, but the rich are sent away empty. Those who hope in Jesus are inspired to endure in his kingdom way, despite worldly barriers or arrogant leaders. In this way, all the world will know that our triune God is Lord over all creation. Take some time to notice the poor in spirit, the meek, and the lowly today. These belong to the kingdom of heaven.