Recognize Who Brings the War

Scripture:
Proclaim this among the nations:
Prepare war,
stir up the warriors.
Let all the soldiers draw near,
let them come up.
Beat your plowshares into swords,
and your pruning hooks into spears;
let the weakling say, “I am a warrior.”
Joel 3:9-10

Observation: The Lord has declared the final days, with the Holy Spirit poured out on those who believe in him, and his "people" (the descendants in faith of Israel and Judah) restored on the earth. And so the time comes for a most unusual battle. All the other nations - those who do not believe in the Lord - are invited to war ... take their instruments of peace and refashion them into implements of death, and come attack. God will be waiting, simply sitting in a valley, and prepared to judge.

In the context of this call to war, there are two truths.

First, it is a sign of disbelief that they will turn peaceable implements into tools of war. This is the opposite of the same items discussed in the day of the Lord, when weapons are recast as farming equipment. Those who hate God find ways to turn everyday matters - even good and necessary equipment - into a fight. They turn guidance about modest living into an argument about personal choice and lifestyle. They turn the idea of loving life into a healthcare debate. They turn prayer into a political battleground. Even the weakest become aggressive over their personal "issues".

Second, I recognize that in this war, the faithful ... have no roll. We are not taking up our own weapons and fighting victoriously. Instead, we simply get to sit in the Lord's stronghold, enjoying the bountiful harvest of his land, while he makes decisions about the nations. We do not fight the hostile, angry, aggressive attackers. 

Application: I better make sure I am not fighting. I must not be someone creating "weapons" out of peaceable instruments. This is a sign of the nations at war against the Lord. Instead, I must trust that the Lord can (easily!) handle the attacks.

Yes, I get frustrated with the state of fighting in our society today. However, it is not for me to go to war against the erroneous ways of the world.

Prayer: Lord, may thy will be done this day. I truly desire to be a peacemaker, and all the more every day. I can only do this through your Holy Spirit, poured out on this old man who desires to dream your dreams. Let the enemy attack, for you are my refuge and stronghold. May I know your peace, and by that demonstrate your love to others. Amen.