Greetings,
It is very difficult to be “in” this world but not “of” this world. We may be able to successfully disconnect from many of the mechanisms that drive the functioning of the world – such as religion and politics – but to remain emotionally detached is difficult. We are caught between the hope of the future God has given us and the daily reality of end-time events that are unfolding before our eyes. The Kingdom is a beautiful vision and one that we need to be able to see with increasing clarity. We must not let the negativism of national and worldwide events dull this godly vision in our minds. We need to spend time regularly reading God’s Word. We need to read about the future hope and promises along with the prophecies that reveal the things to expect before the promises are fulfilled.
The world can only look to man for the answers, relying on the human mind to guide its steps. This is what comes naturally. Everyone wants life to be better and to live in a more moral society where things are done decently and in order. We desire the feel of acceptance in an environment of unity and oneness. The concept of family as God designed it creates a yearning and a desire within us. However, the reality is immorality, chaos, disorder, hate, racial division and dysfunctional families. Emotionally we hurt while intellectually we know there is a God and that He is in charge and eventually His Way will be the Way.
Take some time to read Psalm 107 verses 39 through 43 in this regard. The psalmist acknowledges the reality of this dichotomy. Without God, man will be diminished and brought low, experiencing oppression, affliction and sorrow. “When they are diminished and brought low through oppression, affliction and sorrow.” Human leadership will prove directionless. “He pours contempt on princes, and causes them to wander in the wilderness where there is no way.” This reality is then contrasted with godly reality. “Yet He sets the poor on high far from affliction, and makes their families like a flock.” Notice where the eyes of God’s people need to be. “The righteous see it and rejoice and all iniquity stops its mouth.” Then verse 43 is for us today. “Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.” (Psalm 107:39-43).
What are we “seeing”? The implication is that it is more than a casual observance. It is spiritual sight that evaluates what is being seen from a godly perspective. The result is understanding that directs our emotions to the lovingkindness of God. The Hebrew word for understanding here means the ability to mentally separate or distinguish between. We indeed need to be able to distinguish between what it means to be “in” the world and yet not “of” this world.
A note from Cliff Veal on the situation in Madagascar:
Hello everyone. I received an email recently from the congregation in Madagascar concerning the severity of a drought which is engulfing more and more territory, beginning from the south. In the far south they are suffering very nearly famine conditions. Most of our members live in and around Antananarivo (often called “Tana” for short). It is the capital city and is located somewhat above the half-way (north/south) mark on the island. But the drought has been causing shortages even in the capital, too. Fuel is getting scarce and therefore driving up transport costs – and this, in turn, drives up the cost of food in general. Water is being rationed. Add this to the very low levels of food available because of failed crops and you see a situation that is becoming more and more desperate.
The brethren there, about 23 of them, have asked that we pray about the situation. They, and the country as a whole, need some relief. When I visited last November, the rice fields near a member’s home should have been full of water, but were bone dry.
I have let the members know that we are praying for them. Shortly I will send some funds to help them through this difficult period.
Please pray that God will continue to sustain them.
Warm regards,
Brian Orchard
