Terror on Every Side

Pashhur is not the name the LORD has called you, but rather Magor-missabib, Terror on Every Side. – Jer 20:3ff

The American government has failed to protect American citizens, Afghanis who supported our efforts, and millions of innocents who will suffer under the Taliban regime. Families who just wanted a better life for their children are being slaughtered. Underground church leaders, their congregations, and missionaries chose to stay, knowing they would be killed. I have cried over the reports of the Taliban’s savagery and duplicity, begging God to do something. I have felt crippled by shame over the actions of my government.

But El Roi, the God Who Sees, is sovereign.  In the midst of the devastation, He is moving.  The growth of the church in Afghanistan is second only to Iran.  Twenty years ago when America launched the war on terror, many hoped a  thriving democracy would take root when the Taliban was defeated. While that did not happen, the gospel took root there. I cling to the knowledge that the stone cut without hands  crushed the kingdoms of the world. Jesus has overcome.

I can only imagine the scene in heaven when the martyrs from Afghanistan come flooding into heaven.  Many will be clutching the hands of those they led to faith maybe even just moments before.  They will look around in wonder as they are greeted by thunderous praise and rejoicing.  The angels and saints will embrace them and fist bump them, and then they will part to make way for the King of Kings. With eyes full of love, Jesus will welcome them with open arms and the words we all long to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter the joy of your master.”

But what of the Taliban?  I am reminded of the word the Lord gave Jeremiah for Pashhur, the priest who had ordered him beaten and thrown in the stocks overnight.  Jeremiah had become a laughingstock, and he’d heard people whispering, “Terror on every side! Let’s denounce him.”

But Yahweh was with Jeremiah like a powerful champion.  And He told Jeremiah that Pashhur’s name would be Terror on Every Side.

For this is what Yahweh says, “Behold I am going to make you a horror to yourself and to all your friends. And while your eyes look on, they will fall by the sword of their enemies.”

Just as God got the last word with Pashhur, He will get the last word with the Taliban.

Church, keep praying.  The Lord hears, and He is moving.  Here’s a praise. Some families are getting out.

If you don’t know how to pray, here are some suggestions.

Pray –

• For the safe rescue of many, many people
• For peace, courage, and boldness for the Christians there
• For the Taliban to come to Christ
• For the good news of Jesus to blanket Afghanistan and for many to submit to the Jesus’s lordship

And thank God you live in a country of relative safety while you hug your family a little tighter tonight.