Since the birth of our nation, imperfections have been evident; however, even a cursory glance at the present upheaval reveals that this time, something is different. Coarse, even vulgar, language is becoming increasingly acceptable. Polite disagreements have been replaced by cruel and bitter criticism. The sanctity of life has been re-defined by an ever-changing description of what is acceptable to the masses. Pornography, sex trafficking, abuse of children, and a disdain for traditional families barely cause a ripple in some circles. Violent behavior and a general disregard for the rule of law are spiraling out of control.
Surrounded by such perplexing challenges, today’s leaders are searching for solutions. The rejection or acceptance of an omniscient and omnipresent God ultimately determine the parameters of their inquiry and outline the path they choose to follow.
Rejection of God
The final collection of the Psalms was probably completed in the third century B.C. As such, they provided, and continue to provide, unique insight into humankind’s thinking and behavior. The first two Psalms introduce what follows – competing displays of righteousness and evil. Note the first 3 verses of Psalm 2 as paraphrased by Eugene Peterson in The Message:
Why the big noise, nations? Why the mean plots, peoples?
Earth-leaders push for position, demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks,
the God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers: “Let’s get free of God! Cast loose from Messiah!”
Sadly, today’s secular leaders are repeating the mistakes of those who preceded them. Unfortunately, as in past generations, the results of their arrogance will not be confined to them, but will almost certainly bring pain to those who follow them.
Acceptance of God
In past generations, as demonstrated during times of great revival, the impact of the Church was seen in the whole of society. That has not been evident in America or Europe for a very long time. Rather, increasingly the influence of charismatic governmental leaders, sports figures, the ultra-wealthy, and the elites of the entertainment world have made their way into our thinking and lifestyle.
The Pandemic exacerbated our fears, destabilized our confidence, and created great uncertainty about the future. A pervasive sense of anxiety has replaced faith in the promises of God. Separated from the moorings of doctrinal fidelity, many seek to deconstruct their faith and rebuild it upon a system which accepts apostasy and promises many roads to Heaven. As a result, upon graduation from high school, our youth are increasingly abandoning the local church and searching for meaning in some very wrong places.
This depiction of Christianity points to the fact that our world is in desperate need of healing. Therefore, as one who believes in the truthfulness of the Bible, the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and the Spirit of Pentecost, I feel a strong compulsion to re-examine the trials and victories of those who have gone before us. Over 2500 years ago, facing what appeared to be certain defeat at the hands of the king of Aram, Elisha’s servant asked a question that is the inspiration for today’s blog. The answer that he received is essential to understanding that God is presently at work in what we may perceive to be impossible situations:
Then he dispatched horses and chariots, an impressive fighting force. They came by night and surrounded the city. Early in the morning a servant of the Holy Man got up and went out. Surprise! Horses and chariots surrounding the city! The young man exclaimed, “Oh, master! What shall we do?” He said, “Don’t worry about it—there are more on our side than on their side.” Then Elisha prayed, “O God, open his eyes and let him see.” The eyes of the young man were opened and he saw. A wonder! The whole mountainside full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha (2 Kings 6:14-17 MSG)!
Summation
On May 23, 2023, my wonderful wife Linda went to be with her Lord. This is the sixth edition of my new blog, Living Victoriously after the “Long Goodbye.” You are probably wondering how that today’s topic fits within that larger framework. I’m glad that you asked! Each day, I am becoming more aware that as God spiritually and emotionally heals me, I am moving from a myopic view of pain, and He is allowing me to see a much broader benefit of suffering. C.S. Lewis said it best: “…pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
Ron Harvard Ministries 