This week . . .
A word about slowing down, massive changes in Saudi Arabia, and a follow-up to the Wonder…
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A big yellow light
This month, a song called “Yellow Light” was released by Pharrell Williams from the new Despicable Me 3 soundtrack. In the song, Pharrell sings about the “United States of anxiety” and how “everyone’s overdosing the blue light” (a reference to anxiety medication). He then sings about a “yellow light shining down” and a call to remember that there’s a “Higher Power.”
We felt that this song contained an important word from the Father to the country right now — and to everyone with ears to hear. There is a message here about SLOWING DOWN… Being still and resting. Getting out of the insane rush of life and truly embracing the peace of Christ that is available at every moment.
Our country is addicted to anxiety and unfortunately so are many of Jesus’s followers. But there is a tangible place of peace that is available to God’s kids. It is the place where we embrace the words, “Be still and know that I am God.” It is also the place we where we embrace the words that come right after that statement, which are often forgotten about… In the same verse, God follows up with this important reminder:
“I will be exalted in the nations.”
This is a word especially to those in ministry: Relax. Be at peace. God really does know what He’s doing… He WILL be exalted and His Son WILL reign over the nations. That is the promise of Psalm 46 and the reason He says “be still” in the first place.
This isn’t saying we stop everything. This isn’t a red light. It’s a YELLOW light. It means to slow down and come away from the restlessness of soul, the anxiety and ambition that often drives us, but doesn’t yield the true fruit of the Kingdom.
In other words, this means really taking up His yoke which is easy and His burden which is LIGHT.
Saudi glory
And here’s one example of how God is actually being exalted in the nations…
First, a major reshuffling of power occurred this week as the King of Saudi Arabia suddenly changed his appointed heir from his nephew to his son. His son is much younger than any leader in modern Saudi history and has shown to be radically different in terms of certain policies. For example, he is making measures to provide more rights for women and to get Saudi Arabia out of its reliance upon oil (which will bring a lot of health to a nation that is controlled by those who hold the power through oil).
The full implications of this change are yet to be seen. However, behind the scenes something much more significant has been happening. We at Elisha’s Riddle were recently informed that there are many princes and other royal family members who are secretly coming to Christ in Saudi Arabia. They have to be very careful about making this public because of the serious consequences involved. But either way, Jesus is revealing Himself to the leadership of Saudi Arabia, and change is stirring underground.
(Note: This information came second-hand through a very reliable source connected a major broadcasting ministry that works in the Middle East).
Wonder on the Today Show
Last week we highlighted a new album from Hillsong that is filled with the reforming spirit of grace. This week, the band performed on live television on the Today Show!
Here are some lyrics from the song: “I see the world in grace, I see the world in Gospel, I see the world Your way, and I’m walking in the light. I’m walking in the Wonder.”
Incredible lyrics that carry a perspective of the finished work of the cross that has affected all of creation and all humanity!
Let’s be still…and see the world in Gospel as well.
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