SUMMER OF DOOM?
Today is the first Sunday of the summer season of 2008. I suspect this is going to be an important and influential season for our nation and for the church. The economic and moral standards of the United States are changing rapidly and drastically. There is an ever widening gap between those who have and those who do not have; and
this is always a sign of impending transformation.
It is very possible that we will go through an even more escalating period
of difficult economic and social unrest than this generation has ever experienced. A
period like this is certainly not new to history, but because we have been so blessed with peace and prosperity it will be
very alien and disruptive to our times.
As Christians we must be prepared and sensitive to these changes. There
will be needs and opportunities that only the most senior of us can remember. However,
if an economic downturn will bring people back to the Lord, then so may it be!
Galatians 6 tells us to bear one another’s burdens. The burdens of God’s family are already occurring at an accelerated pace. They could magnify in the season ahead. Paul
would also write, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone,
and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians
6:10) Be aware of the struggles of those around you.
In the days of the prophet Amos, the Lord blessed His people with prosperity
and peace. He also sent famine and pestilence in their lives. Whether good times or bad, the purpose was to stimulate the people to return to God. In both situations in Amos’ day; good or bad, they did not come back to God. Let us pray that as a nation, we will reverse the devastating path that we are traveling and return to
our loving Heavenly Father.
This passage from the Old Testament still rings true today: “If
My people who are called
by My name will humble
themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2nd Chronicles 7:14)
