A Proper Response

As I sit and ponder the sudden events that have radically altered our lives in the last week, I am reminded of this passage in the Revelation: “For this reason her plagues will come in a single day, death and mourning and famine . . .  and in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste” (18:8, 17 ESV). I am not suggesting that this is being fulfilled now. I don’t know, but it is eerily applicable to this hour. The “her” of the verse refers to “the great prostitute who is seated on many waters . . . the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth” (Revelation 17:1, 18 ESV). This city, the identity of which has been the object of much speculation, certainly reflects our modern culture: “She glorified herself and lived in luxury . . . and in her heart she says, I sit as a queen” (18:7 ESV). Ah, but overnight nothing but uncertainty. 

One would think this plague would drive people to God. Sadly, we see apparently little concern for that, possibly due to the godless evolutionary views of our origin. Instead, lots of prideful bravado touts our strengths as Americans who can deal with anything and overcome. Oh, that God would open the eyes of the prideful to humble themselves and recognize their need for Him. Trials and hard providences should humble people.  

We are in such a plague as described in the Old Testament  and used by God to awaken His people. Churches are closed and trivial measures replace congregational worship on the Lord’s day. We have met the challenge with online streamed services, online giving (of course), and frivolous memes suggesting that now might be a good time to read your Bible, reach out to others, and “be the church” (whatever that means). The Lord has done this to awaken His sleeping church. “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (Ephesians 5:13). His people must leave the realm of darkness and walk in the light that they may glorify Him. 

Jeremiah exhorts: “Give glory to the LORD your God before he brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the twilight mountains, and while you look for light he turns it into gloom and makes it deep darkness. But if you will not listen, my soul will weep in secret for your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly and run down with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive” (Jeremiah 13:16, 17). Where is brokenness over sin and the idolatries that have distracted believers, disrupted churches, and destroyed her power and influence over the culture? Where is repentance, pleadings after God in the night seasons with fasting and humbling before His awful majesty? On the positive side, however, Jesus promises: “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32 ESV).