The Greatest Rallying of Nations

March 5, 2022 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH The Greatest Rallying of Nations SCOTTY SMITH   This is what the Lord Almighty says: “In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’” Zech. 8:23   Lord Jesus, watching so many nations rally to support Ukraine has reminded me of your promise of the greatest “rally” underway in history. History is all about your commitment to redeem an every-nation Bride for yourself. This is the pre-text, sub-text, context, and final text of all that matters. It’s happening right now—in Ukraine, Russia, and everywhere on this Saturday in March 2022. Indeed, you are fulfilling this great hope, for you are the emphatic “Yes” to every promise God has made (2 Cor. 1:21). You are the “one Jew” in Zechariah’s vision—the promised Messiah, the Lord who became the Lamb, our substitute to trust before you are our model to follow. “Ten people from all languages and nations” doesn’t mean merely 9 +1. It’s a round number, a perfect number, a whole number—a numeric hint of the vision you later gave the Apostle John. “I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes…” (Rev. 7:9).  Hallelujah, we don’t just “take hold of the hem of your robe,” you clothe us in a robe of your perfect righteousness. Magnify your name in our midst and hearts. Humble, gladden, and focus us. Stop this war. Come back soon, Jesus. So Very Amen.   Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! About Us    |     Council    |     Donate ©2020 The Gospel Coalition, All Rights Reserved. P.O. Box 170346 — Austin, TX 78717 Update Email  |  Unsubscribe

Praying for Children in the Ukraine and Russia

March 4, 2022 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Praying for Children in the Ukraine and Russia SCOTTY SMITH   People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Luke 18:15-16   Lord Jesus, this Scripture ignites our hearts to pray for children impacted by the horror and trauma of this war—children both in the Ukraine and in Russia. Thank you for your passionate, compassionate heart for children. We channel our deep sadness, growing rage, and sense of helplessness as fuel for our prayers. So, Jesus hear our laments, cries, and intercession for the most vulnerable ones. Our growing prayer list includes… We pray for Russian children (and their moms) who have lost their fathers in this war, and haven’t received the news yet. Have mercy, Lord. We ask for a mighty Gospel work among the Russian soldiers. Bring many to a saving knowledge of yourself, Jesus. We pray physical protection and provision for Ukrainian children in harm’s way. Supernaturally, and otherwise, minimize the suffering and loss of life, Jesus. Keep the bombs away, and food in their stomachs. We pray for children who are seeing things no child’s eye should ever see. Jesus, you are a great King and healer. By whatever means you chose—angels, loving parents, a direct work of the Holy Spirit, fellow believers… protect the hearts, minds, and imagination of children. We pray for children immigrating from their homes to a new everything—obviously for Ukrainian families, but also for the growing number of Russian families seeking to do the same. Provide safely, welcome, shelter, and in your perfect timing, a home in the riches of the Gospel and eternal life. Oh Jesus… please bring an end to this war soon. So Very Amen.   Hey Gospel-Friends… here’s an awesome link to further direct your praying, put together by my beloved friends/colleagues at Serge: Grace at the Frey: https://serge.org/bearing-one-anothers-burdens-ukraine/     Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! About Us    |     Council    |     Donate ©2020 The Gospel Coalition, All Rights Reserved. P.O. Box 170346 — Austin, TX 78717 Update Email  |  Unsubscribe

In This Hope We Lament, Long, and Love

March 3, 2022 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH In This Hope We Lament, Long, and Love SCOTTY SMITH   “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” (1 John 3:8); “He (Jesus) disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” (Col. 2:15); “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (Rev. 22:20)   Lord Jesus, how long must we wait? When will the “devil’s work” be eradicated, once and for all? We cry out for the Day of no more missiles flying and children cowering, the Day of no more bombast and bombs from evil dictators. We feel helpless. We lament. We long for your “soon” return. Please make it sooner. The merciless pillaging of the Ukraine is fueling our laments and longings. Our solace is in Satan’s crushed head, broken dominion, and coming elimination. Right now, the devil is “filled with fury, because he knows his time is short” (Rev. 12:12). Make it even shorter, Jesus. We will not give fear more power over our hearts than the truth and riches of the Gospel. The courage of the Ukrainians, their kindness towards young Russian soldiers they have captured; pastors and missionaries remaining in the land to love and serve in your name… Jesus, all of it is combines to wake us from our slumber, thaw out our chilled hearts, compel us to live and love to your glory. Your bold cry from the cross, “It is finished,” is our peace and joy. Your post-resurrection declaration, “ALL authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” is our sanity. Your trustworthy promise, “Surely I am coming soon,” is our sure, much-treasured hope. So Very Amen.   Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! About Us    |     Council    |     Donate ©2020 The Gospel Coalition, All Rights Reserved. P.O. Box 170346 — Austin, TX 78717 Update Email  |  Unsubscribe

The Good-Grief and Grace-Tears of Lent

March 2, 2022 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH The Good-Grief and Grace-Tears of Lent SCOTTY SMITH   “As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day.” Mark 2:19-20   Lord Jesus, though I come from a “non-liturgical” background—one which never put much emphasis on the “church calendar,” I’ve never been more eager for the season of Lent to begin. Today is Ash Wednesday, and for the next 40 days we have the privilege of engaging in focused-reflection and heart-preparation. It’s not a season for beating ourselves up, but for lifting you up. Too easily we forget the greatness of our need, and the 10,000 times greater provision of your grace. We are “Cinderella with amnesia”—losing touch with who we are, and Whose we are. Bring us back to Gospel-sanity in these upcoming weeks. Humble us. Gladden us. Should we, like many, choose to “fast” something for the next 40 days, may it be for increasing our hunger for you, Jesus. You are the perfect Bridegroom who died to make us your cherished Bride. The work has been done, the “dowry” is paid in full, the wedding dress of your righteousness is ours, and the wedding Day is set. Until that Day, teach us how to lament, Jesus—to embrace the “good grief” and grace-tears of contrition—not by navel-gazing, but by cross-surveying. With no condemnation handing over us, work fresh conviction inside us. Show us the ways we love poorly, under-believe the Gospel, and over-believe our fears. May your kindness lead us to repentance, and your love compel us to love others as you love us. Please, Jesus. So Very Amen.   Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! About Us    |     Council    |     Donate ©2020 The Gospel Coalition, All Rights Reserved. P.O. Box 170346 — Austin, TX 78717 Update Email  |  Unsubscribe

Our Father Is “Bent” on Redemption

March 1, 2022 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Our Father Is "Bent" on Redemption SCOTTY SMITH “I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever. His rule is everlasting, and his kingdom is eternal... He does as he pleases among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. No one can stop him.” Daniel 4:34-35      Heavenly Father, this passage gives us deep peace, present hope, and fuel for our praying. It’s the story of a pagan king who was bent on destruction, pillaging, and expansion. But you were more “bent” on redemption, loving, and expanding your Kingdom. You broke, humbled, and silenced Nebuchadnezzar. Then he spoke about you with words we need to take to heart, and take into this day. Thank you for doing as you please, Father, and not as we beg, nag, and demand. You do all things well, not to make our lives easy, but to fill the earth with your glory. When we under-believe the Gospel and over-fixate on our fears, you remain steadfast in your love and faithful to your promises. Like Nebuchadnezzar, we are in constant need of getting low and acknowledging your sovereign rule over all things—over Russian leaders, the Ukraine’s children, and the Day Jesus returns. Nothing happens beyond the reach and reasons of heaven. This doesn’t give us control or eliminate our sense of vulnerability, but it does give us peace and hope. Father, forgive us when we doubt your goodness. Help us when we struggle with your hiddenness. Replace our vexation with adoration and neighbor love. You gave us Jesus, surely we can trust you for everything else. So Very Amen  Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! About Us    |     Council    |     Donate ©2020 The Gospel Coalition, All Rights Reserved. P.O. Box 170346 — Austin, TX 78717 Update Email  |  Unsubscribe

Hope without Wavering, Love without Measuring

February 28, 2022 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Hope without Wavering, Love without Measuring SCOTTY SMITH “I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands”… crying out with a loud voice, “’Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” Rev. 7:9-10   Lord Jesus, the current uniting of many nations against the atrocity happening in the Ukraine is deeply encouraging. It makes the Apostle John’s vision most precious, real, and hope-fueling. Your impossible-to-count Bride is presently being redeemed by the power of the Gospel. This is the true meaning and mercy-measure of all history. Fully and forever, we will gather at your return—not just representing many nations, but every nation that has ever existed. Saved by grace, healed and whole for eternity. We won’t be united in a war effort, but in a never-ending worship celebration. Finally, we will adore you as you deserve, and we will love one another as you love us. The United Nations won’t be a building, but a reality. Every evidence of evil, sin, and death will be gone. Everything broken will be replaced with “all things new.” The “echoes of Eden” will be superseded by the grace-grandeur of the heaven and new earth. Hallelujah! Jesus, each day as we get closer to “the Day,” fill us again and again and again with the riches of the Gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit. May the war in the Ukraine end soon. But may the Day we hope for the most be nearer and dearer to us than ever. So Very Amen.   Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! About Us    |     Council    |     Donate ©2020 The Gospel Coalition, All Rights Reserved. P.O. Box 170346 — Austin, TX 78717 Update Email  |  Unsubscribe