The Water of Life for the Nations

Prayer-Soldier

The Water of Life for the Nations

Scripture:

Ask of the days of old, that have been before your time from the day that God created man upon the earth, from one end of heaven to the other end thereof, if ever there was done the like thing, or it has been known at any time, that a people should hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of fire, as you have heard, and lived: If God ever did so as to go, and take to himself a nation out of the midst of nations by temptations, signs, and wonders, by fight, and a strong hand, and stretched out arm, and horrible visions according to all the things that the Lord your God did for you in Egypt, before your eyes.

Know therefore this day, and think in your heart that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and in the earth beneath, and there is no other. Keep his precepts and commandments, which I command you: that it may be well with you, and your children after you, and you may remain a long time upon the land, which the Lord your God will give you.
(Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40)

For whosoever are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For you have not received the spirit of bondage again in fear; but you have received the spirit of adoption of sons, whereby we cry: Abba (Father). For the Spirit himself gives testimony to our spirit, that we are the sons of God. And if sons, heirs also; heirs indeed of God, and joint heirs with Christ: yet so, if we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.
(Romans 8:14-17)

And the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And seeing him they adored: but some doubted. And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Going therefore, teach all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.
(Matthew 28:16-20)

Reflection:

How can we imagine the expanses of time never ending? How can we imagine the number of souls which wandered before us? How can we imagine all of the generations to follow? All the events of time are beyond our observation and our comprehension, yet, there is One who sees all, both the progress and the regress. He sees the hearts of souls and what lies within. He knows what will change and what will not. Some believe all is predestined, but it was He who set freewill into motion to give meaning to every choice.

God sees the deeds of the valiant. He sees the works of love. He sees the acts of those who turn to Him and of those who turn away from Him. Though He has left the result of moments to our choices, He encourages every child of His creation to follow His commandments; commandments through which we may share the blessings of civility, compassion, caring, charity, and love.

We marvel at the beauty of the world, but so many fail to see, that if all lived by His Word, so much would become even more wondrous. Instead, we are seduced by that which shall decay and only yields emptiness. We see our future in things we may acquire, but what love may be found in that which cannot respond?

Love enriches both the heart which gives it and the heart which receives it. It is for this reason God calls us to share in love, for no other emotion so nourishes the soul. If we allow Him, our Lord will lead us to a more excellent way. (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:31)

In this world, there is suffering. We endeavor to avoid it, yet, it remains. There are those who cry out, how is it that God allows this, but we might expect God to ask in return, how is it you, the children of My creation, how is it you allow this? Our Lord might continue to ask, how is it you choose against my commandments, yet expect good to be the result? How is it you withhold love from one another and expect hearts to be nourished by the void? How is it you fail to respect life, killing so many before they experience the first light of day, killing so many before the work to which they were called is fulfilled, killing so many before the purpose for which I created them is done, killing so many before I call them home?

Indeed, when we realize the tragedies of our choices, how might we respond? Will we stop in the midst of our sorrow and beg forgiveness for the ways we have failed Him and one another? Will we turn to Him and ask that He lead us in all righteousness? Will we ask Him for the wisdom, courage, and strength by which to turn away from the ways of the world so we may follow His ways? Will we choose His path, or will we continue to stumble in the darkness?

As children of His creation, we have the opportunity to learn from all which surrounds us. We have the ability of reason and logic. We have the gifts He created within each of us. (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:12-26) We have the ability to share of these gifts and work together to share of the blessings of the Lord. We have the ability to encourage and nourish one another, but the choice remains with us.

Though we have made a mess of many things, God remains ready to heal our ills, our sorrows and our failings. He sent His only begotten Son to teach the few so they could go forth to teach the many. From heart to heart His Word may be spread. From generation to generation His good news may flow. Jesus instructed those He sent forth to teach all nations; to teach them to observe the commandments of the Lord, for love is their common theme. It is through the baptism which He offers, the life giving water by which we may be renewed. (cf. Revelation 22:1-17) The remaining question is what shall we choose?

Questions for further reflection:

In what ways may we receive the teachings of God?

In what ways may we allow the Spirit of God to lead us?

In what ways may we assist the nations and the generations to receive the life giving water of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier