God’s Way
A context for the craziness we are witnessing swirling around us is clear. A characteristic of ancient Israel that is clearly demonstrated by their continual behavior was the denial of God.
“For Israel has forgotten his Maker” (Hosea 8:14). Hosea chapter 8 is an interesting read in this regard.
Without the heartfelt acknowledgement of God’s hand in national and private affairs, the inevitable result is the turning to self. It is reliance upon the natural human mind. Without God, it can’t be anything else.
“…None among them calls upon Me. … They call to Egypt, they go down to Assyria” (Hosea 7:7, 11).
When God is forgotten, it is inevitable that His law is neutralized. Without God’s law as a living element in life, people are destroyed for lack of knowledge which the law provides.
“…Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4:6).
These prophetic words are dual and carry through to our world today. If God is acknowledged at all, it is mostly lip service. They say, but do not do. So without God in the picture we get the inevitable consequences. People become lovers of themselves and broken relationships turn to hatred. Violence often follows when people do not get what they want.
“You have plowed wickedness; you have reaped iniquity. You have eaten the fruit of lies, because you trusted in your own way, in the multitude of your mighty men. Therefore tumult shall arise among your people …” (Hosea 10:13-14).
In this tumult, it is important that our reaction be one of strengthening our acknowledgement of God in our lives. This will involve a degree of separation from an environment where God is being denied. What are we feeding our minds on as a regular diet? Politics is a big emotional draw because those who rule over us have a very real bearing on society as a whole. We are affected, of course.
God’s law is a strong means to enable separation. It is above the human elements. It draws our minds toward God and provides the mental/spiritual capacity to contextualize the tumult. It is of man, but our minds are to be of God.
“Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble” (Psalm 119:165).
Be careful we don’t fall into the trap of denying God by being drawn into the emotional tumult and begin looking to man to solve the problems. Politics focuses on man, not on God. Without God, man is incapable of solving his problems.
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret – it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth” (Psalm 37:7-9).
Let’s plan on inheriting the earth.
Brian Orchard
