Greetings,
It is very difficult to observe what is developing in our society, our nation, our world and not get caught up emotionally in events. We are not detached from the deterioration because it is the daily reality of life. However, there is an issue for us to consider in terms of where our emotional response is to be directed.
It is quite normal for us to desire the implementation of solutions to the decay of the social order. After all, we are privileged to know God’s revealed word and the solutions it contains. God’s word informs us why our nations are experiencing declining conditions and we know that if our leaders and people would turn back to God, things could be different. We would naturally like to see those solutions in place now.
Our emotional involvement is encouraged by such sections of scripture as Ezekiel 9:4. Here God is addressing the desecration of the temple and the sinfulness of the surrounding city of Jerusalem. Those people who see the abominations being committed and “sigh and cry” over them are noted by God and protected in a time of judgment. The “sighing and crying” is the result of seeing the abominations from God’s point of view. It is an empathetic response to God’s house being filled with abominable conduct and practices whereby God’s glory and greatness is not acknowledged. God’s punitive actions have the bottom line of, “Then they shall know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 12:15,16). This is what God’s people are to focus on.
We need to direct our “sighing and crying” with this focus in mind. If we are not careful, we can desire a solution to societal problems within the existing structure. The world offers an entire range of problems and solutions – one policy over another, one political party over another, one leader over another. However, God sees the entire human system as being wrong. It is a system that grew under Nimrod at Babel in defiance to God and His way of life.
We should have heartfelt responses to the abominations we see being committed around us but those responses should be spiritually based. A strong desire for this entire system to come to a conclusion and for God to be revealed to all mankind will motivate and strengthen our relationship with Him. There are no lasting solutions to be found within the systems of this world.
A similar thought to what we have seen in Ezekiel is found in Malachi’s message. The “sighing and the crying” is characterized as “fearing God” and speaking “one to another” (Malachi 3:16). This is in response to the conduct of the wicked who speak against God (v13 -15). Note that those who are commended here fear God and it strengthens their relationship with Him and with others of like mind. They direct their attention toward God and are “marked” in a book of remembrance by God for their attitude and conduct.
We have not been called now to “fix” the problems of the world. We have been called to “fix” ourselves and to proclaim the true solution to man’s problems – the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Warm Regards,
Brian Orchard
