Approaching Christmas with Hope - Day 2Etienne Piek - 30 Nov 2010

We’re on a road to nowhere . . . or NOT!

Looking at the map of Israel’s exodus I usually have a song spinning in my head . . . it’s the 80’s hit single from the Talking Heads, “We’re on a road to nowhere”. Yes, and forgive me for this, but this is unfortunately my first impression of the journey God took His people on. And to be brutally honest, especially where I find myself right now, I wonder if it has ever changed? Humanly speaking the shortest route to Canaan should have taken them no more than 30 days, BUT God says: “ I know the route and I’ll lead the way” . . . 40 years into the desert . . . seemingly to NOWHERE!!!

The question is: Is this journey really leading to nowhere? Is it really the hopeless story of God en route with His children? Or is there hope?! I know it may feel like we’re on a road to nowhere and we might get rebellious along the way and dream about the luxury of our days in Egypt . . . BUT, God’s journey IS a journey of hope! And He knows exactly where He is leading us, even though it may make no sense and the map may look very confusing. Because the end is NOT “nowhere”, it’s Canaan! Sometimes it just takes 40 years in the desert to be prepared for Canaan . . .

Advent is our assurance that we are NOT on a road to nowhere. The birth of the Messiah is our guarantee that God’s destination for us is Canaan; here on earth and for eternity. Hope is to see that future, to hear His voice in the desert: “I know the plans I have for you . . . I have come so that you may have life in abundance . . . so that you may be called a son/daughter of God”, and to continue with the journey.

24/7 Prayer is therefore not only about prayer, mission and justice, we’re all about hope . . . praying Canaan into being, living the reality of it in the desert of brokenness and sending pilgrims of hope to those who still think that we’re on a road to nowhere . . .

This Advent look at the Messiah . . . and not the map!

As we wait for Christmas, the celebration, the feast and the wonder of an incarnate God 24-7 Prayer will be posting a series of reflections to help us to wait well. We have asked friends from across the movement and around the world to creatively express themselves and focus us on the coming of Christ. This first week of advent uncovers Hope, and urges us to have hope, share hope and be hopeful as we approach Christmas together. Follow along with the 24-7 Prayer 'Approaching Advent' Calendar.