Men are qualified for civil liberties in exact proportion to their disposition to put moral chains upon their own appetites.”
–Edmund Burke
“The whole course of life is upset by failure to put God where He belongs.”
–A.W. Tozer
“Violence! I cry…. Must I forever see this sin and misery all around me? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. The law has become paralyzed and useless, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, and justice is perverted with bribes and trickery.”
My mercy! Was this on the evening news, or was it the internet? Perhaps it is from the Old Testament book of Habakkuk (1:2-4, NLT) The prophet was crying and moaning over the evil that he saw in his day. There were atrocious things happening and no end in sight. Where was justice? He wondered. Why does God allow this to happen? Then he actually questions God about it.
Ever felt that way, especially in the last few weeks? Paid demonstrators, violence, a push toward anarchy just because they are spoiled brats. In the devotion at school on Tuesday one phrase stuck out to me. “God is observant.” It may not seem like it in our eyes, but God is watching everything that happens. He is not far, but near and is adding to the cup of iniquity. How full must it be? The prophet asks, and I do as well.
Are we now seeing the words of Nietzsche being fulfilled? “Chaos, I glory in chaos. Out of chaos will arise the supermen (or man).” The works of antichrist are seen daily on the news. Yet, we continue to enjoy, seek, and bask in this world system that is so much against the Word of God. How long? How long will He allow it to continue?
Those are legitimate queries and questions. However, more importantly is our reaction to all of the junk and stupidity that is happening. Look at what the prophet finally says.
“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.” (3:17-19, NLT)
I’m not sure I’m as strong a man as Habakkuk. Frustration builds up and I know that the Lord is there and He will bring justice. It is up to me to have faith, to hold on to the Lord and depend on His supreme wisdom. He knows what He is doing!