NOT NICE OUT THERE Evidences of a Fallen World copyright Doug Blair, Waterloo, ON 2016
Years ago Ali worked at our factory. A most interesting man from Trinidad-Tobago, who had lived in the islands, Great Britain, the States and finally Ontario. He delighted in sparking provocative discussion at lunch break about upsetting current events. I miss that tall, good-humoured welder's input. Other participants in the choice cross-fire were Salvatore (Italian) and Mr. Soo (Korean). The younger men usually just sat back, listened and learned. Often as the bell rang ending a session Ali would turn to his friend and state “It's not nice out there Salvo.” Never forgot that. Perhaps the man chuckled as he said it, but truly he recognized the many ways in which bad had become good and greed, duplicity, oppression and lawlessness ruled the day. In intervening years it has only gotten worse. Perhaps I sound pessimistic in this generalization. A lot of good still occurs and this world offers a wide vista of natural beauties. But the trend is downward. We as messengers of Christ do a dis-service if we only come out with rosy stories and agendas. Remember how Jesus spoke of the evil issues from the hearts of men – a nasty list (Mark 7: 17-23). His solution was that they follow Him.
Deadly Graffiti
Paid a visit to a nearby coffee shop early this morning. This is a place with a real sense of neighbourhood. Many regular customers, and many of them elderly. Much courteous talk, happy greetings, newspapers shared, doors held open. People being decent and civil. In the men's washroom however, I was disturbed to see new black magic marker disfigurement on doors and walls. Some youth gang insignia and an inverted cross with numbers 6...6...6 at the head and hands positions. Isn't that sweet? Somebody wanting to identify with the worst of evil as they sully the place. Should we be saying once again, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Increasingly this is a time when good is called bad, and bad good. Music is filled with thoughts of hate and violence. Reality shows laud profane, fiery temper in the kitchen; and manipulation and mendacity on survivor island; and bare-fisted mauling and murder in the ultimate fighter's ring. The message going around is that in being open to such our youth are being strong and realistic and "nobody's fool". Sad. Now back to the graffiti. Just as three ones represent the ultimate in God's goodness and unity, so the three sixes represent the worst that crops up in selfish man (the sixth day's creation). I am not going to spiritualize away the very real concept of a coming time upon the earth ruled by the enemies of faith, and one Anti-Christ in particular. At that time the mark (666) and the allegiance, the program and the wicked service will be the only alternative to martyrdom. All becomes grasping and fearful and suspicious. Not a joke in the least... Smarten up kids! Draw something beautiful. Write something edifying. Get out of the dark corner.
Frightening Prospect
Does any of the following sound familiar? Micah 7: 7 Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit.
2 The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.
3 That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the
great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.
4 The best of them is as a brier: the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen and thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity.
5 Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.
6 For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house.
7 Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. 8 Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. Conditions worsen to this desperate picture right before the Judgment. Much of the miasma is already in place. We become more dissociated and suspicious. The efforts of men toward social reform and justice become more pathetic and misdirected. For the majority, a resort to God becomes less and less of an option. We have seen a "dry-run" of the Great Tribulation before - Nazi Europe. Indeed there have been several holocosts since. But thank God for the victory of the old Bible theme. "In wrath, remember mercy" (Habakkuk 3:2). Even the above chapter of Micah will conclude with the saving and vindicating of a faithful remnant. For them a new community of righteousness and a casting of the memory of all their sins into the depths of the sea:
18 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.
19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
When the Spirit Comes
In the 16th chapter of John, perhaps more than anywhere else in the Gospels, Jesus explains to His friends what influence the Holy Spirit will soon have in their lives. They can expect much greater intimacy with Jesus and His agenda because of the Spirit's influence. They can expect an increase in the convicting power in their words, actions and demeanour, because of the sway of the Spirit. And they can expect a much greater degree of ostracism and persecution, just as their Lord had seen it.
Jesus is honest. He knows what is in the heart of man. He will not spare his friends the news that things are going to get tough. Idols will be shaken. Pass-times and associations will be held up to the light. Hypocrisies will become transparent. Man-made rules will be exposed in all of their futility. Not only the wicked but the self-righteous are going to balk at this, even to the point of violence and murder, whether it be of the person or of the reputation. And when you stumble, which you will, the hounds will be quick to say, "See he blew it. He isn't perfect. This thing doesn't work. Forget about Jesus. Go on with business as usual." That is the spirit of anti-christ. It needs to be prayed down, loved down, served down by the extraordinary Person who dwells within us. (Acts 10:38) And we have been assured that 'greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world'. Some who deal with us start out peeved or fuming, but end up drawn by our indomitable asset..."joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1 Peter 1:8). That too is the working of the Spirit. The fumers may become family. We are not to respond blow for blow, but rather blessing for blow. This takes supernatural love, and the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, etc. (Galatians 5:22,23)
Wrecked Cradle-Faiths (An entry from J. R. Miller in Come Ye Apart) In Sheep’s Clothing
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” Matthew 7:15 There is something fearful in the eagerness of the devil to destroy souls. He sends his agents and messengers in forms and garbs to deceive the simple-minded and unwary. He even steals the dress of God’s own servants and children, hoping thus to gain the confidence of believers and then destroy their faith and lead them away to death. The world is full now of just such agents of Satan. They profess to be Christians, but in their hearts they are disloyal to Christ and to His cause and kingdom. They win the confidence of the sheep by passing off for sheep themselves; but the sheep’s covering is only worn outside, while underneath is the heart of a hungry, bloodthirsty wolf. We need to be on our guard perpetually against the wiles of the devil. Eternal vigilance is the price of spiritual safety and of Christian peace. Many young people, especially of those who are intelligent and gifted, fall under the
influence of those who have caught smatterings of sceptical talk which they drop in the form of sneers or mocking queries in the ears of their confiding listeners. They laugh at the simple cradle-faiths these young Christians hold, and ask with wise air, “Do you still believe these old superstitions?” Then they go on to cast doubt or to start questions about this or that difficulty in the Bible, or they caricature some Christian doctrine and hold it up in such light as to make it look absurd. Thus they poison the minds of these earnest young believers, weaken their faith, and fill them with perplexity. Pastors and teachers of intelligent young people are continually called to try to undo the wicked and destructive work of these wolves in sheep’s clothing; but ofttimes it is impossible to undo it. Wrecked cradle-faiths are hard to restore.
What's the Sense of It?
I hear people express their resentment at the thought that they are accountable to a sovereign God. "Nope don't give me that guilt and making amends stuff. I have always done the best I can my own way. I just don't buy the idea of an uncreated First Cause of all there is. Bible thumpers obviously hate any serious considerations of science. They check their brains at the front door of their church. I believe that we have what we make of it." Now place these individuals in the squeeze of some serious dilemma, hardship or sickness and they will be the first to say, "I just don't understand it. If God is so powerful and so full of love, how could he allow such a terrible thing to happen. I just couldn't submit to such a one and call Him the best." Well isn't that interesting. In the first instance they sound like die-hards for free will. In the second instance they want God to be Master Puppeteer pulling all the right strings. They seem to leave no room for the wicked actions or decisions of others; neither do they consider ongoing corruption in a planet soiled by sin. Any way you look at it they just don't want God. Nevertheless the day will come, and perhaps too late, when they will have to acknowledge that He is Lord and His Son is Messiah.
Footnotes Holler Out Loud It is seldom these days that I attend to the study notes appended to one of my Bibles. There was a time when I needed the guidance of such resources to tie my reading into the main themes of redemption and the progressive revelation of God alone coming as Saviour. But this morning I really got one. I was reading Psalm 63 which has David out in the wilderness being hounded by his enemies, and longing for the glory of God's sanctuary. He begins: 1O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; 2To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. 3Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. 4Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. He continues with thanksgiving for past deliverance: 7Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. As an aside he states with confidence the likely fate of his enemies, those who transgress against his wonderful God, and hold him in derision: 9But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. 10They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes. Now here is what struck me. The commentator's wrap up is the following: David declares his longing for spiritual renewal (vv.1,2), he expresses his thankful mood (vv.3-6), he gives voice to his trust in God (vv. 7,8), and he announces his hope for the future (vv. 9-11). Enemies are mentioned only in passing (vv. 9,10) That is it my friends! Let the God of your victory loom large in your consciousness. Say as did the writer of Hebrews, 'the Lord is on my side. I will not fear what man (or demons) shall do unto me.' Although we must understand the purposes and devices of our adversaries we must not dwell upon the opposition and the risks which we face. Too much time spent in that fashion and we resemble the little rabbit who stares so
long at the snake that he becomes paralyzed. Instead enemies in the flesh become subjects for prayer. They may one day become part of the spiritual family. Enemies in the spirit are already defeated, and their lies and threats need resolute dismissal.
Reads Like This Morning's Newspaper 2 Timothy 3King James Version (KJV)
3 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For
men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without
natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that
are good, 4 Traitors, 5 Having
heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For
of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever
learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Marveling at Unbelief
(Taken from Alexander MacLaren's Exposition of Mark's Gospel) Mark 6:
3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. 4But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. 5And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching. But there is another consideration that I would like to suggest in reference to this limitation of our Lord's power, by reason of the prevalence of an atmosphere of unbelief, and that is that it is a pathetic proof of His manhood's being influenced by all the emotions and circumstances that influence us. We all know how hearts expand in the warm atmosphere of affection and sympathy, and shut themselves up like tender flowerets when the cold east wind blows. And just as a great orator subtly feels the sympathy of his audience, and is buoyed up by it to higher flights, while in the presence of cold and indifferent and critical hearers his tongue stammers, and he falls beneath himself, so we may reverently say Jesus Christ _could_ not put forth His mightiest and most abundant miraculous powers when the cold wind of unbelieving criticism blew in His face. If that is true, what a glimpse it gives us of the conditions of His earthly life, and how wonderful it makes that love which, though it was hampered, was never stifled by the presence of scorn and malice and of hatred. He is our Brother, bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh; and even when the divinity within was in possession of the power of working the miracle, the humanity in which it dwelt felt the presence of the cold frost and closed its petals. 'He could do no mighty works,' and it was 'because of their unbelief.'
Place of Intercession (We turn to the commentary of F. B. Meyer on Daniel 9) "Intercession for a beloved people. What a prayer is this! In many respects it is
a model for us all. It was based on the Divine Word. The fact that God had promised to restore the desolations of Jerusalem after seventy years did not restrain, but prompted and inspired Daniel's prayers. God' promises are not independent of our faith, but await our appropriation. The blank checks are drawn and signed in our favour, but they must be presented at the bank for payment. It was very humble. Fasting, sackcloth and ashes were the outward works but notice the tone. "We have sinned...and have rebelled...unto us belongeth confusion of faces." He confessed his sin and the sin of his people. There is such a thing as vicarious confession, in which some holy soul takes to himself the task of bearing the sins of his people and pouring out the story before God as though the sins were his own. But we hardly need go to our country or people for sins to confess, for we have plenty of our own; and the nearer we come to God's infinite light and holiness, the more we abhor ourselves and repent in dust and ashes."
Can the Blind Censure?
I’m taunted by those eyes That seek a blunder A wrinkle in the fabric of my faith And sure they’ll come across some Without effort The vapours come and go No small disgrace. So quick to blurt
‘Yasee the package falters A dreamer’s code With heroes made of mist’ ‘And where’s the fun With rules and regs abounding I try my best Without that painful list.’ It makes one sigh To hear the doubter’s laughter Without a hint of wonder At the Cross My Lord’s a Gentleman Who simply tells it But leaves them free To follow up their loss. He speaks to me In midnight talks occurring ‘My Brother I draw gladly To your heart I do not judge the stumblings Of an instant But work the love You’ve treasured from the start.’
Note: Is this not what we see in so many of the Psalms? The writer is surrounded by godless critics who delight in his apparent misfortune or setbacks or sickness. He is in a battle. He looks for refuge. He prays that there will be an end to the mocking, the smug self-assurance, the slander of his God of Mercy and Majesty. When will you rise up and act Lord? When will you show your mighty arm? When
will you vindicate your servant? Oh, it’s coming Friend. And God doesn’t mind this candour in your prayers. It is real and affirming a living faith. He likes that. (Consider the examples of Psalms 41, 73, 86 and 94)
Most Marvelous Name
Say the Name And watch waters Part before you. On the one side Smiling faces Touched by grace. On the other Clear discomfort, Cold suspicion. And a charge That you are clearly Out of place. Say the Name And the demons Look for cover; And a shaft of Light invades Where darkness reigned.
And a glimpse of Hope uplifts The weary sufferer. Rest and rescue, Timeless Gospel Still the same. Say the Name And a cloud of Watchers hovers closer. Those who fought And felt the cut Of unbelief. Smiling now in Halls of Glory With their Saviour. Praising “Jesus� And forgetting All their grief.