Raiders

For generations the Pokot of Western Kenya crossed into the land of the Karamonjong in Uganda and vice versa.   These were not social gatherings or athletic competitions but rather cattle raiding.  But unlike the past when both tribes attacked with bows and spears now the Pokot come at night armed with AK47s and pistols.  When they raid they slaughter whole villages and then take off with their cattle.   Consequently, towns along the border live in fear of losing their lives or livelihood to these bands of ruthless fighters.  
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Across the world there is no shortage of carnage and fear.  How many neighborhoods in our own nation rest uneasily at night? The prospect of warring gangs and drug violence is all too common in many big cities.  The demons of lawlessness and murder feast on the shedding of blood and dance to the sounds of wailing sirens.  

Meditation
Proverbs 24:15,16--Wicked man, don’t set an ambush, at the camp of the righteous man; don’t destroy his dwelling. Though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up, but the wicked will stumble into ruin.
 
Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:12,13 that before He returns there will be a substantial increase of wickedness. “Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be delivered.”  Paul informed the Thessalonians, “ For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. . . (2 Th. 2:7).  Around the world raiders are multiplying.  Against the righteous come those who reject God to make their own way. Some fight with weapons, some manipulate with laws, some use intimidation while others lie, steal and cheat. For the followers of Christ suffering will increase but we must not lose hope!
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The answer to falling down (the righteous do get knocked down), is to rise again.  The response to torture, torment and persecution is joy in the Lord.  Even if we die, in Christ we rise again! Therefore, we ought not to spend so much time worried about what might go wrong.  The wicked will succumb to calamity with a capital C.  Rather than worry about raiders we should pray for them. Instead of plotting revenge, we tell them about Jesus.  Loaded guns and captured cows may give power and possession but neither creates joy—the core of what the righteous possess in Christ.   The Lord who holds the future transforms us to confound misguided ruffians and reach those sick of life on the dark side.   Don’t be afraid of evil.  Be afraid of losing sight of the only One who is GOOD.  As my friends Ombima and Moses sing, “Hold on to Jesus!” Something to think about . . . in reveration!
 
Inspiration
God is the highest good of the reasonable creature, and the enjoyment of Him is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied.—Jonathan Edwards
 
©2007 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)