A saddened heart, tears of sorrow – this is the response to mayhem. Our eyes have been assaulted with scenes of willful violence and unrest against individuals and properties. Clearly, we see the bent of our sinfulness displayed in the rioting and looting and total disregard for authority among crowds that gather for the purpose of causing trouble.
Should we be surprised? Solomon tells us there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9 That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done. So, there is nothing new under the sun. But it is embarrassing. The unsolicited degradation of mankind’s sinful nature. Could God wipe us all out in a spoken word or from a slight movement of His hand? Yes. Would He be justified in doing so? Absolutely. However, He will continue to protect those who are His. Hope is not lost for those who trust in His omniscient power; He is preserving an eternal future bereft of sin. For this, we can be overwhelmingly thankful. We can still have peace.
So, what do we do? Seek Truth from His word. Engross yourself in His righteousness.
Daniel 9:4-5 And I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed and said, "Alas, O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, we have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly, and rebelled, even turning aside from Thy commandments and ordinances.
We pray. We come before God with a heart that trusts in Him. We ask God to hear us and to fix us. We let our requests be made known to Him.
We ask forgiveness. We admit wrongdoing. We recognize and regret our hostility against God.
We praise God for His faithfulness. We praise God for His protection, His promises, and His mercy even in the midst of rebellion and undeservedness.
We call sin what it is – wickedness and rebellion. It is not a right, nor a freedom of speech. It is lawlessness.
Daniel 9:8-9 "Open shame belongs to us, O Lord, to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, because we have sinned against Thee. "To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him;
We admit our shame and our sin against God’s commands. No excuses, no blame on others, taking full responsibility for our own actions that dishonor His name. Our sin is the cause for confusion.
We trust in His compassion and forgiveness. God has a tender love for His creation. He will continue to show mercy because of who He is, not because we deserve it, but because of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
Our sinful nature is not unknown to God. The Word says we should not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among us. But we are to make certain we are not the direct cause of rebellion. When we suffer for our own poor choices there is no glory only shame. When we are persecuted for standing in the truth of God’s word, the glory is God’s.
1Peter 4:12-16 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if [anyone suffers] as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God.
We can continue to rejoice in the name of Christ. We must share the hope we have in Christ. He alone is the only solution to a world that needs forgiveness.
