Interesting Things to Think About #2: The Season of Grace Succeeded in Turmoil

Isaiah and Jeremiah explained pretty clearly that God was going to do a special work through the Jews, making them a show to the whole world. Not a bad show to watch intently. Carried away by the guy to whom the whole world was given, they were informed by Daniel that they were going to have a special anointed history--the Anointed one was coming. You think it was a guy, I think it was the Anointing of YHWH upon guys. The thing is, this special grace came during a season of unrelenting conflict, opposition, trouble, and turmoil.

Dudes, it was a snapshot of our lives. After the proclamation to return, there were those who did not want to return. There was opposition to rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem, civil war, something like a dozen or more Ptolemys in Egypt causing trouble, invasion by Rome, massacres, puppet kings, Pharisees, Sadducees, false prophets, and etc. Unsettling times. Yet, somehow through all that, bands of Jews purified their hearts, minds, and characters to receive the Anointing of God Himself.

We have the Dead Sea Scrolls, and they paint a picture of unusual dedication. By the way, it does not say in the Aramaic Bible that God is a jealous God (Exodus 34:14); it says, "Do not worship another God, because the Lord's (YHWH's) name (nature) is devoted, for He is the God of devotion." He is devoted, and we are supposed to be devoted, for we will find him when we seek him with devotion:

"For I know the intentions of my plans for you," said the Lord, "thoughts of peace and not of evil, so as I may bring you hope in the end. And when you call on me and [kneel down and pray] before me, and as you love me with all your heart, you shall find me," said the Lord (Jeremiah 29:11-13 Alexander).

Devotion runs concurrent with trouble. If you don’t believe me, just ask Jesus.