Wednesday, August 27, 2014

THE ARROGANCE OF POWER

                Our world seems to be violently ripping itself apart. Each day the news is filled with the latest conflict. ISIS continues to terrorize parts of Syria and Iraq. Hamas insists on launching rockets into Israel and then cries foul when Israel responds in kind. Russia continues to sow the seeds of revolution in Ukraine, seeking to disrupt and destabilize that nation. Extremists in Nigeria kidnap women and children. Christians are being singled and attacked for their faith.

                In our own country, morality has been made subservient to legality. Rather than have the courage to take a moral stand, we pass laws to protect those who choose the path of immorality. People are being taken to court for exercising their constitutional and moral right to live according to their religious convictions.

                The Bible warns us that we can expect the arrogance of sinful people to take center stage. Paul warned Timothy to be on his guard against this moral, tidal change. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 (NIV)

                The Apostle Peter also sounded the warning about what was coming. He called for believers to stand firm in the face of growing opposition. Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.  As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do--living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.  They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.  For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. 1 Peter 4:1-6 (NIV)

                In the face of the almost daily decay of our world, it is easy to get discouraged and lose heart. It seems like Satan and evil are winning and that we are powerless to stop it. But all is not lost!

                Today, in my devotions, I read Psalm 2. It is extremely relevant to our day. As I read these verses, I couldn’t help but think of what is going on in our world today. The arrogance of humanity continues to grow. We continue to throw off restraint and move toward anarchy. But God is not threatened by this tempest in a teacup. He shakes His head at those who shake their fist at Him. He is still firmly in control, and His plan and purpose will prevail. Psalm 2 is a resounding word of hope for all who put their trust in Christ.

                Psalm 2:1-12 (NIV)
                Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters."
                The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill."
                I will proclaim the decree of the Lord: He said to me, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery."
                Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
                Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

                God laughs at the arrogance of humanity. For all of our perceived power, we are no match for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Jesus has already won the ultimate victory over sin and death. Satan is whipping up the world in violent protest against Christ’s rule and reign. But he cannot prevail. He is already a defeated enemy.  Jesus is building His church, and the gates of Hell cannot prevail against it.

                Satan is going to do whatever he can to make things uncomfortable for us. As we draw closer and closer to the return of Christ, we can expect Satan to continue to disrupt our world. In the face of this, we can stand firm in the confidence we have in Christ. We can continue to fight the battles that are before us, knowing that no matter what happens, we will prevail in the end.

                As we stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in Christ, we can still make a significant difference for all of eternity. Therefore…
                    Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
                 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:8-11 (NIV)



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