Behold He comes!
Yesterday, our choir sang a hymn called the “Days of Elijah.” I had never heard it before we rehearsed it a few weeks ago, but I loved it immediately. We had already planned to sing it this past Sunday, before the horrific events took place in Paris where Islamic terrorists killed 129 innocent people and left 352 wounded at last count.
Yesterday, it seemed unbelievably timely, considering what happened in Paris and what continues to happen to God’s people in other parts of the world.
The song begins with, “These are the days of Elijah, declaring the word of the Lord.”
The prophet Elijah lived in a very dangerous time. He declared God’s message to an unbelieving king and a bounty was placed on his head. He spent some time on the run, but God always provided for him. At one point He sent the ravens to feed him and at another point, an angel prepared food for him. And when it came time for a showdown between Elijah’s God and the gods of those who pursued him, our God rained down fire from the sky. The enemy’s god could not. God easily won that battle.
The next stanza begins with, “And these are the days of great trials of famine and darkness and sword.” Could there be any more truth in that statement? Just like Elijah, we are living in a world of violence and darkness.
But, then it goes on, “Still we are the voice in the desert crying, prepare ye the way of the Lord!”
Isn’t that what Christians are called to do? Aren’t we supposed to proclaim the Gospel to the lost? Times are rough and scary; there’s no doubt about it. But, are they any more frightening than they were for Elijah? Are they any more frightening than they were for the Jews during World War II?
Then the chorus hits: “Behold He comes, riding on the clouds shining like the sun, at the trumpet’s call. So, lift your voice, it’s the year of Jubilee. Out of Zion’s hill, salvation comes.” There’s the promise.
What would happen if we all turned back to God? What if along with coloring our Facebook pictures the colors of the French flag, we actually went to God in prayer about all of the lives lost in Paris? What if we prayed without ceasing, for God’s intervention and guidance on fighting the evildoers. What if all Christians prayed without ceasing that our leaders would turn their hearts and ears to God? What if we prayed without ceasing, that God would raise up a leader here in this country with His heart?
What would our country look like? What would the world look like?
The song goes on to remind us that, “We are the laborers in Your vineyard, declaring the Word of the Lord.”
Most of us are not professional soldiers, though we should all thank God for them everyday. But, we are called to be Christian soldiers. Clearly, there’s a physical battle going on here as the victims and their families in Paris, can attest. But, let’s not forget there’s a spiritual battle going on as well, one that no matter how young or old, or what our physical condition may be, that we are called to fight.
We fight that particular battle with prayer. We are called to make a difference. We are called to act. We already know that Jesus wins, but don’t we want to play a part in that victory?
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂
P.S. I have attached a version of this song. I hope it gets your Monday rocking!