Devo Week 6 - Discerning the Unseen Realm
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Matt.10:16
The Parade of Nations - Image Bearers of Christ
One thing we know about God: He is not boring! From rainbows and flowers to landscapes and thumbprints, God’s heart for creativity is undeniable. Open wide your eyes. Look around you. His glory is displayed everywhere. Just imagine on that Day when all the nations march into the New Jerusalem. It will be a much grander parade than we’ve seen at the Olympics. Kings and nations will shine in their own splendor, revealing Jesus as their Messiah. (Rev. 21:22-26) There is no wonder, then, why the enemy seeks to strip us and our cultures of all God-given uniqueness and beauty.
WHO IS FOR US
If not one snowflake is the same, and yet they melt away, how much more is God’s handiwork displayed in you and me? Even eternity has been set in our hearts! (Ecc. 3:11) He also fashioned and shaped the environment and culture in which we grew up. Think about this: while God calls each of us by name, He also speaks the language and knows the collective ways of every people group.
This truth became very real to my wife and me when we moved into Elephant Mountain village with the Akha hilltribe of Northern Thailand. As we learned their language and adopted their ways of life, in time we experienced the favor of God and man in ways we never have. The Akha felt honored and respected by us, and in turn, their acceptance of us increased throughout the learning process. Many divine opportunities would have been missed, had we related to them otherwise. As a result, we experienced on earth the uniqueness of the Akha that will one day be on display for all to see in the ‘parade of the nations’ at the New Jerusalem.
WHO IS AGAINST US
When you receive the favor of God and favor of man, this is an indication you are blessed for the assignment. This also means the devil has likely taken notice of that. While waiting for the time of unveiling of Jesus among the Akha, we endured much opposition. We had to stand strong while being spoken against and misunderstood even by fellow believers. Why are you wasting your time learning their language? They are heathens — how could you let your children live there? Can’t you see they are only surrounded by darkness?
Discouragement beat down upon us. Keeping this ‘parade of nations’ in focus helped us face such opposition. We had to take up the ‘shield of faith.’ As we held fast to the leading of the Holy Spirit, He helped us discern the treasures of Christ hidden among them, and so kept our eyes on the prize.
PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL BREAKTHROUGH
Father, we thank you for sending your Son who gives us all spiritual authority through His blood and His name! Lord, draw us closer to You and give us favor among the people we serve. Give us eyes to see and hearts to honor the uniqueness of each individual and people group whom you’ve brought into our lives. Help us stand strong in the face of opposition and take up the shield of faith against any and all discouragement. In Jesus’ name, Amen.