What is this world coming to?
I watch the news or read reports on the internet and I can’t help but wonder, “What is our world coming to??” The atrocities in the United States, just to the south of us, where children are being imprisoned and incarcerated and separated from their families through no fault of their own. The conditions they are living in are jails, with every move monitored and very little time in the outdoors. There are reports of how much time they are kept in cramped quarters with little fresh air or natural light. They will undoubtedly be affected for the rest of their lives. And what have they done to deserve such treatment?
Government leaders have the potential to do something to make a difference. I encourage us to pray that they will be bold and courageous, making a statement that these conditions placed upon such innocent young people are not acceptable. Some have remarked how similar these actions are to what happened leading up to and throughout World War 2. The similarities can’t be avoided or denied.
This quote has been made by a number of individuals throughout history … “Evil will continue to happen as good people do nothing”. We all bear a responsibility to stand up and speak for the rights of others, especially the most vulnerable who live with injustice as a part of their everyday lives.
And, as followers of Jesus Christ, our discipleship includes that mandate as well. Church leaders have responded vehemently against this wrong and encouraged government leaders to pass legislation that will reverse the atrocities these children are living with.
As Christians, we all need to be aware of and respond to the call to speak against injustice and stand up for the rights, freedoms and privileges of all people. I thought of that as I read about the recent fire at the Mosque in Alberta just this past week. As well, the gun shootings in Toronto affecting young children playing in a playground.
Indeed, what is our world coming to? We could all too easily lose faith and hope. However, we know and believe that even as there are so many wrongs in this world, and innocent victims and injustice and disrespect and judgement and hatred … God cries right along with us … God shakes his head and wonders why people continue to do these things to one another … God gets frustrated too … God gets angry as well. God is right here with us in the midst of the muck.
Remember these scripture passages …
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29: 11
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15: 13
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5-6
“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalm 27.13-14
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.” Romans 12: 12
“But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” Micah 7: 7
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him” John 3: 16, 17
“For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1: 37
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11: 28
With our newspaper in one hand, and out bible in the other, remember this hallmark passage about hope in the midst of despair … “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed …” (2 Corinthians 4: 8-9). Christ gives us hope for today and for each tomorrow no matter what is happening in our lives or in our world.
May we indeed be aware of what’s going on in the world around us; may we speak up prophetically; but especially may we never lose our hope and faith and give way to despair. Remember God created this world we live in and God will redeem this world too! Thanks be to God!!!
I offer us this this song written by Paul McCartney “Hope for the Future” to reflect on through the lens of our faith and all God has promised us …
Some hope for the future; Some wait for the call
To say that the days ahead; Will be the best of all
We will build bridges Up to the sky
Heavenly lights surrounding You and I
From out of the darkness Our future will come
If we leave the past behind We’ll fly beyond the sun
We’ll be together Sharing the load
Watching in wonder As our lives unfold
Hope for the future It’s coming soon enough
How much can we achieve?
Hope for the future It will belong to us
If we believe If we believe
Hope shines brightest in the dark When nothing’s ever seen
Lighting undiscovered places No-one’s ever been
Some hope for the future Some wait for the call
To say that our destiny Will be the best of all
And we will build bridges Up to the sky
And heavenly lights Surrounding you and I
Hope shines brightest in the dark Where nothing’s ever seen
Lighting undiscovered places No-one’s ever been
Hope for the future Hope for the future
Hope for the future
Remember, if you have a question, I encourage you to send it to me in an email and I will do my best to answer it either in a weekly update or in a sermon.
As always, my inbox is open, and so is my office door if you’d like to chat. I’m usually in my office most mornings Monday through Thursday unless otherwise announced due to a meeting. Stop by or make an appointment!
Take care and have a blessed day and week!
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