Hebrews 8:13b “And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.”

In context, this verse refers to the transition from the old covenant, through Jewish Law and sacrifices, to the new covenant in Jesus Christ. However, as I read through recent headlines, it was brought to mind and I saw a different application. Here are the ones which really stood out to me (I warn you, they are extremely upsetting to read):

“Dog found in California with his mouth cruelly zip tied shut.”

“1-year-old miracle baby found crawling by Louisiana highway after 4-year-old brother found dead, mom arrested.” 

“Albuquerque mom charged for starving special needs son to death.”

After closing my dropped jaw and fighting off tears, I recalled the verse above and it hit me that what is growing obsolete and vanishing away in this world is love. To be even more precise, since God is love (1 John 4:8), it is painfully obvious that the world views God as obsolete and His influence as vanishing. Now, we know the truth of the matter that He is neither obsolete:

Isaiah 40:28 “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.”

Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

And neither He nor His Word will ever vanish:

Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”

Why am I writing this blog? Am I trying to making you angry, depressed, or feel defeated? No, on the contrary, I am writing this to encourage you. God has made it possible for His own to enjoy peace in the chaos. The Lord has made many promises to His children and though life in this world may seem hopeless, at times, it is simply not the case. Let me prove it to you:

John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Philippians 4:4-9 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

John 14:1-3 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

Not only will we live in perfect peace, rejoicing in Him for all of eternity in Heaven, but we are also able to have His peace now, even now in our dying bodies living in this dying world. There will be days when it seems utterly impossible to not feel overwhelmed and defeated by all the evil going on around us. We are able to overcome, though, when we immerse ourselves in His Word, remain fervent in prayer, focusing on all that is wonderful and beautiful about Him, remaining grateful, and living each day to please Him. The Word describes this as donning the armor of God. May we do this today, and every day, so we may stand for the One who gave His all that we may have peace.

Ephesians 6:10-18 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints”

P.S. The next time you feel discouraged by the world, remember this encouragement from Jesus, Himself…

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”