Hope In The Face Of Desperation

"Today's Devotion" For June 2, 2005

Read: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72

HOPE IN THE FACE OF DESPARATION

"They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." (Is.11:9)

Yesterday's news was filled with more news of civilians dying from terrorist attacks in Iraq. Over 700 Iraqi civilians have been killed in terrorist attacks of one form or another, mostly suicide bombers, since the end of April. Yesterday's incident was no exception. On city streets across America, people have lost their lives to violence - drunk drivers, drive-by shootings, drug overdoses, suicides, and a host of other violent actions which have cost the lives of many. What a sharp contrast to these desperate pictures is God's statement in Isaiah that "they will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain." Knowing God brings hope and peace. Knowing God's love motivates people to share that love with others. In the section of Isaiah noted above, we are hearing a continuance of God's description of "paradise restored," given through the Prophet Isaiah for the comfort of the people of God.

As I was reading through some old notes, I ran across the following account. It's a good reminder to us of the desperation of a sinful world and sinful human beings. While the account speaks about what we might call a "primitive culture" and one of its practices, we can be certain that the needs motivating the events in this story are found in even the most sophisticated cultures, including our own.

It seems there was a family in Ghana, in Western Africa, who were celebrating the forthcoming marriage of their seven-year-old daughter to the gods. This was apparently a very big deal. By carrying out this act of "marriage," the seven-year old girl would be making atonement for the sins of her grandfather who had stolen some money. Sadly, the little girl didn't really understand what lay ahead for her. It seems she was about to carry out a seventeenth century custom her tribe called, "Trokosi." It's a custom practiced in a number of West African countries. In order for atonement to be made for the sins of family members, hundreds of girls become "sacrificial lambs" to the sexual and other desires of the communities' priests. The girls become the priests' slaves and are overworked, sexually assaulted, and beaten. Through such abuse, it's believed that the gods will consider it adequate punishment for the offending family member, and the offending family member will not be punished.

Every culture understands that it has "fallen short of the glory of God," even if they don't know Him. In the practice of "Trokosi" a pattern of desperation upon desperation emerges. Families and individuals made desperate by their sins try to find a way to atone for their wrongdoing. The practice of "Trokosi" involves little girls in the attempt at atonement. Yet, all over the world, other attempts at atonement for one's sins take place in various ways every day. People are seeking peace in their lives, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, and they'll try and do almost anything they can to accomplish that peace. Sadly, people everywhere are searching for peace in all the wrong places. People face desperation and despair all over the world every day. Sadly, in their desperate situations they end up dragging others down with them, and true hope in never realized in their lives.

Into the midst of a troubled world, filled with people desperate to find peace and joy in their lives, Jesus came. He brought God's peace with Him. We have His sure and certain promise that in Him we have peace with God, and, in that peace we are empowered to live at peace with one another as well. In Jesus our sins are forgiven, not because of what we've done or will do, but because He has paid the ultimate sacrifice on the Cross, and we believe in Him as our Savior and Lord. The primitive custom of "Trokosi" recognizes one very important spiritual principle - there can be no peace in one's heart and life in relationship to God and others, unless God's forgiveness is known and received. Without Jesus Christ, there is no hope and assurance of a better life and relationship with God. The Gospel assures us that our lives have been changed in Christ. Thus, having received hope in God's forgiveness, we seek to share that same hope with others, trusting that the Gospel will change people's lives and bring God's peace and joy into their lives.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, as You have brought hope into my life, and have shown me true peace in the forgiveness of sins and the love of my Father in heaven, help me to share that peace and hope with others. Let my actions and words reflect the hope that all may have in You through faith in Your suffering, death and resurrection for all the world. Use me, Lord, to be an instrument of Your peace. Help me to sow hope in the lives of others with every word and deed. As You give me the opportunity, let me comfort and encourage all whom I meet with the hope of eternal life through faith alone in Your saving work. Help me to hold up hope in You everyday, and help me live in it as well, no matter whatever circumstances I find myself in. For Your precious name's sake O Lord, hear my prayer and let my cry come before You. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.