Thanks for your on-going inspiring comments!!!

Judges chapter 5.

A song of rejoicing is given for the victory over the enemy, King Jabin. The song is really a story about how the Lord gave Israel their enemy into their hands. How Sisera, the commander of King Jabin's army, is defeated and killed.

Verse 28-30 caught my attention because the song mentions what may have been the thoughts of Sisera's mother as she awaited his return from Battle.

Sisera's mother is looking through the window waiting for her son's return from Battle. Confident he'll return because he always does, yet nervous because he is her son. She cries out wondering why his return is delayed. Where is he, she wonders!

She begins to think of reasons why he's running late. She wonders if it's because it's taking them longer to find and divide all the valuables that they captured from Israel. She thinks about the women they would have captured and then split up amongst Sisera's men. She thinks about the colorful garments that Sisera collects for himself and even for his mother. Though she awaits, he won't return for he is dead.

It's a sad picture but a harsh reminder that in life there is pain and death. We live in a sinful place with no guarantee of tomorrow. On this Earth we will have suffering and pain. Our hope is not in the things of this world. Our only hope is in Jesus. Though we face death and sorrow and pain on Earth we have hope of a new life in Christ on Earth and in heaven.

Revelation 21:1-4 speaks of this new life we have when we are united with God. It says:

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new Earth. For the first heaven and the first Earth had passed away and there was no longer any sea. I saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. Then I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, NOW THE DWELLING OF GOD IS WITH MEN AND HE WILL LIVE WITH THEM. THEY WILL BE HIS PEOPLE AND GOD HIMSELF WILL BE WITH THEM AND BE THEIR GOD. THERE WILL BE NO MORE DEATH OR MOURNING OR CRYING OR PAIN FOR THE OLD ORDER OF THINGS HAS PASSED AWAY THE NEW HAS COME!” 

God, thank you for this new life we have in your son Jesus. Help us through the tough times on Earth and thank you for the hope we have to spend with you for eternity in heaven! Amen.