Where have you been?

Jeremiah 16:10 ESV

“…Why has the LORD pronounced all this great evil against us? What is our iniquity? What is the sin that we have committed against the LORD our God?”

Sometimes I am afforded the opportunity to listen to people that are completely clueless. Something has occurred and it is plain to me why such events have befallen them. Having lived a portion of their lives with them and listen to their retelling of events, I must simply wonder if they are “all there”. What I saw and witnessed over the previous years led me to the conclusion it was only a matter of time, but some how the moment came as a complete surprise to those involved.

Such were the times that Israel found itself in. God had graciously overlooked so much and had finally come to the point of no return. Their punishment was certain and fixed, such that Jeremiah was told don’t marry and don’t have kids (Jeremiah 16:2). They would find themselves watching the temple destroyed, watching generations taken to be raised in Babylon, then watching again as what little hope was left was thrown into a cistern to decompose. On the run to Egypt they once again fall back into idolatry making cakes for “the queen of heaven” (Jeremiah 44:17) they simply are clueless to why, refusing to hear God’s clear answer and his clear rebuke.

“Wouldn’t it be nice if we were older, Then we wouldn’t have to wait so long?” – Beach Boys

“Those were the best days of my life, oh yeah, back in the summer of 69.” – Bryan Adams

It seems man is never happy with his circumstances. When young he wishes to be old enough, when old he remembers better days. Few are they who rejoice in the days they are given. That rejoice in the God who sovereignly prepared them for the moment they are currently living through while simultaneously preparing them for greater and greater challenges, and glory. The Joy of Adulthood is forsaken as many bemoan the trials of Adulting, in favor of perpetual adolescence.

“These are not dark days, these are great days, the greatest days our country has ever lived.” Sir Winston Churchill

As the People of God come to our senses, like the prodigal looking at the pig’s slop, we must realize the truth, in our father’s house there is more than enough. Over the past few months, I have heard 2 Chronicles 7:14 recited in hope and solitude. Holding to the promise that “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray…then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” Yet, like most skipping the part about seeking God’s face and turning from their wicked ways as covered above in the ellipsis.

I have little hope that this verse applies to the United States of America, simply because I see prayer meetings forsaken, and no change to the status quo, as more and more forsake Sunday Morning for other activities. These are not dark days however. These are great days. The greatest days I have ever seen. The Church has been given the overwhelming task of bringing the Gospel to a culture paralyzed by fear. God has given us the opportunity to speak hope and life to a society literally hiding in houses in fear of death.

How will you o’ Christian bring hope, light, and life into the darkness?

CRUCE, DUM SPIRO, FIDO