Prince of Peace - Lord at War

June 17

(Psalms 68:1-4, 11-17, 28-35 NIV) “May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him. {2} As smoke is blown away by the wind, may you blow them away; as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God. {3} But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. {4} Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds -- his name is the Lord -- and rejoice before him…. {11} The Lord announced the word, and great was the company of those who proclaimed it: {12} "Kings and armies flee in haste; in the camps men divide the plunder. {13} Even while you sleep among the campfires, the wings of my dove are sheathed with silver, its feathers with shining gold." {14} When the Almighty scattered the kings in the land, it was like snow fallen on Zalmon. {15} The mountains of Bashan are majestic mountains; rugged are the mountains of Bashan. {16} Why gaze in envy, O rugged mountains, at the mountain where God chooses to reign, where the Lord himself will dwell forever? {17} The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands; the Lord has come from Sinai into his sanctuary…. {28} Summon your power, O God ; show us your strength, O God, as you have done before. {29} Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring you gifts. {30} Rebuke the beast among the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations. Humbled, may it bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war. {31} Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush will submit herself to God. {32} Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, {33} to him who rides the ancient skies above, who thunders with mighty voice. {34} Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the skies. {35} You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!”

We don’t usually think of the Prince of Peace as the Lord at war, but a day is coming when Christ will come on the clouds to confront His enemies. The Lord’s chariots will number in the millions and all the Earth will submit. It will be a day when everything is made right. All injustices will be corrected. The enemies of God will scatter and flee, but there will be no place to hide. All will perish as they are blown away like dust in the wind and melt like wax before fire. But the righteous that have called on His Name and followed Him will sing for joy and rejoice before the King of kings. They will proclaim His awesome power and holy majesty. His coming will not harm them. Instead, they will receive power and strength and will live forever in His presence. Today, we choose our eternal destiny in one of these two camps. We choose by who we follow. Choose wisely. Follow Jesus. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day