OUT OF THE ASHES By Raphael ben Levi
“If we had true spiritual insight, we would not be amazed by the severity of eternal judgment but by the intensity of God’s mercy.” (The VOICE footnote)
The locality where we reside in the beautiful Republic of South Africa, has been until recently a paradise torn asunder by carefully orchestrated riots and wanton destruction of entire shopping malls and private property accompanied by looting, violence, injury and loss of life.
It would be an easy thing to apportion blame and point fingers but this is not my purpose – anyone can do that. Neither is it to respond either passively or moralistically to something that required physical force and action to defend families and property. Out of the ashes, something happened to unite people and races across cultural and religious boundaries to stand together and rediscover one another. It was surely a wonder to behold!
Yes, there have been many casualties, victims of mindless aggression whose livelihoods have been destroyed within a nation teetering on the edge of economic collapse. Yet, among them are those who dare to believe that God is still in control amid the chaos. Though traumatised, adversely affected and struggling to make sense of things, they echo the confidence of the psalmist: “For all my wanting, I don’t have anyone but You in heaven. There is nothing on earth that I desire other than You. I admit how broken I am in body and spirit, but God is my strength, and He will be mine forever.” (Psalm 73:25-26)
In the midst of these things, we glimpse elements of God’s grace and mercy awakening us from spiritual slumber. Great throngs of believers are crying out before God day and night, witnessing Divine miracles that demonstrate His love and care, often in surprising ways that, yes, is bringing new life out of the ashes.
And we dare to rejoice greatly as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, for our Redeemer promises never to leave nor forsake us. He is teaching us to view things through the lens of Divine love which draws us ever close to Him in the eye of the storm. Yes, our God is faithful and never disappoints those who place their trust in Him and walk in His ways:
“The confidence of my calling enables me to overcome every difficulty without shame, for I have an intimate revelation of (my) God. And my faith in him convinces me that he is more than able to keep all that I’ve placed in his hands safe and secure until the fullness of his appearing.” (2Tim. 1:12)
