Greater than any challenge

December 02, 2020

Devotions, Blog

Our post yesterday regarding a law China is about to enact to curtail any influence from foreign Christian missionaries prompted a number of responses from our 316NOW team. Read the post about this law.

A 316NOW administrator responds

One of our administrators reminded the team of Psalm 2.

Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.“Let us break their chains,” they say, “and throw off their fetters.” The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, “I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill” (Psalm 2:1-6)

Then he added, “This psalm comes to mind with every new effort of rulers to conspire against the Lord’s Anointed One. But the Lord’s reaction is comforting to us. He is still the King. And his purposes will be accomplished one way or another. They plot in vain.”

Finally, he reminded us that we have God’s Jesus-based promise, “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’” (Psalm 110:1).

Advent assurances

Advent reminds us of our coming king: the king born in Bethlehem, the king who gave us his Easter victory, and the king whose Judgment Day return is imminent. Advent reminds us the gracious Redeemer of souls keeps his promises. Advent assures that our God is greater, greater than any challenge, any obstacle, any opposition.

Advent’s assurances give us at 316NOW courage in the face of China's attempts to stifle the gospel. But there’s more. The assurances of Advent apply to whatever or whoever jostle to stand against your faith or God's plans to bring good into your life.

Advent assures our Father's grace-guarantees are unbreakable. "The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, ‘I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.’”