For Such a Time as This

Like you, I am appalled and bewildered by the events of this past week. Just when it seems as though the news of political absurdity, riotous violence, or debilitating fears could not be surpassed, a new cycle of information is given which causes great concern. Many express alarm that our culture and nation is perhaps at a tipping point. The gradual removal of any moral compass has produced unjust laws, amoral leadership, and an increasing disdain for the truth. Even the church is seemingly ineffective in halting the spiritual decay as many within its own ranks are racked by duplicity and faithlessness. What are the people of God to do?

Most have been led to three very normal, yet ungodly responses.

· Fear

With all of the tumult around us, what can we possibly do to find any hope? Rather than pressing forward with an unconquerable faith, many have shut themselves off from the call of Christ, doubting that God will protect and provide for His own. Too many have forgotten the promise of old, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday” (Psalm 91:1-6).

· Anger

Having become disgusted by the ungodliness or frustrated by the idiocy of the culture, many have a growing sense of animosity toward others. They perceive that the problems plaguing us would be cured if only those with whom they disagree would be removed. The Scriptures are clear on this point…we must be broken over the sin around us; but not at the expense of ignoring the sin within us. Have we too quickly forgotten God’s instruction, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:19-21)?

· Despair

Baffled by the sharp spiritual decline, some have presumed that hope is lost. They concede that the darkness of the culture is so overwhelming that even the gospel itself cannot affect the revival of the church or spiritual awakening. Will we ignore the history of our faith, when in similar times of great evil, the prophet Elijah despaired of the increasing unrighteousness of his culture? In the whisper of God’s presence, God revealed to Elijah, “Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him” (1 Kings 19:18).

As always, God’s Word provides a right perspective in every circumstance of life. In the book of Esther, many of God’s people were living in exile in a godless culture. Their predicament was the result of God’s discipline for their unfaithfulness to Him. Living under the rule of a maniacal ruler, they would encounter such hatred against them that they faced possible extinction. What were they to do? Certainly, fear, anger, or despair would be the natural response. Yet, by God’s great mercy and their unwavering faith, they would make a different response.

“And in every province, wherever the king’s command and his decree reached, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and many of them lay in sackcloth and ashes.” (Esther 4:3)

When Queen Esther had determined to bravely take a stand for the sake of righteousness, she implored God’s people to one action.

“Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16)

So, as the history of the redeemed records, let us join the throngs of faithful before us that have come to the end of all resources so that there is one response left to take. It is the response from us that God has always demanded and invited. We must seek the face of God as never before. We must confess our sin. We must turn from wickedness. We must cast aside every idol. We must pour over God’s Word. We must come to God with tearful eyes. We must enter His presence with longing hearts. We must rejoice in His promises. We must hope when all hope is lost. WE MUST PRAY.

Jason