THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 144
“Praise to the Lord… who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” (Psalm 144:1)
David lived in violent times…people were always attacking each other.
Does God really prepare us for battle?
Not in the cruel, violent, unjust sense, but as defenders of peace and justice… Yes!
Think of a police officer or a security guard as they go about their duties.
They have been assigned a sword to maintain peace and justice, and they need God’s help.
“They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:4)
I am not a police officer, but I am a peace officer.
Like Jesus I work for justice and peace, not with a sword but with love and mercy.
By His Spirit, He equips us to fight the good fight (Ephesians 6).
But we do not fight like the world, and not with weapons (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
As a Jesus follower, I am being trained to overcome evil with good.
God’s wants a world that is safe for everyone to flourish ‘like well-nurtured plants’.
I am working with Jesus as a non-violent evil resister and peacemaker.
May I be a willing partner in His training me for this battle!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, use me as Your peace officer. Prepare me today with weapons of love and mercy to reduce violence and brokenness and to advance Your dream of a blessed world.