What’s This World Coming To?

Does that sound like a reasonable question?  It’s probably one that has been uttered many times over the years, even centuries, by any number of people in various circumstances.  It’s certainly one we might be asking ourselves these days.  Politics aside, there are multiple social issues that command our attention, along with a pandemic and a nation which seems almost as divided as during the Civil War.  Naturally, there is a concern for the next generation and those who follow us.  Our times can be confusing and unsettling.

But, what about the days of the first century, during the time of Christ?  The Jews were under Roman rule and felt oppressed as they looked for Messiah to come and release them from the grip of such a powerful force.  His arrival had long been foretold and they were certain He would appear in a blaze of glory and set them free.  Instead, He appeared as a nobody, riding in on a donkey, in peace with no intention of fighting a war, but rather, teaching love and mercy and healing.  Some turned away in frustration, others followed Him, attracted by His kindness and gentleness and compassion.  There were some who even recognized Him as the predicted Anointed One.  But, then, He was arrested, falsely accused, tried in a kangaroo court, then brutally beaten and crucified.  No legion of angels appeared to release Him from the grasp of the crowd who insisted on His death.  Some of His followers watched in horror as the scene unfolded.  God did not rescue His Only Begotten Son, but let Him die.  What would become of His people now?  Where might they find hope?  They were devastated, crushed in spirit, confused.  “What’s the world coming to?” they might have asked.  “What do we do now?  How could this happen?  Could things look any worse?”  As two men were walking on the road to Emmaus, without realizing it was the risen Jesus who approached them, they admitted their disappointment as one said, “But, we were hoping He was going to redeem Israel.”  (Luke 24:21)

In this case, you and I know the rest of the story.  We know Jesus was raised and brought new life for those who believe, and that His death had purpose, though it seemed so horrid and incomprehensible at the time.

We look at life and wonder about things that we see and find incomprehensible now.  It reminds me of the prophet, Habakkuk, who asked God, “How long will I cry for help and You don’t hear?” to which God responded, “Look among the nations.  Observe!  Be astonished! Wonder!  Because I am doing something in your days that you would not believe even if you were told.”   (Habakkuk 1:2)

We just commemorated Easter – the death and resurrection of the Savior of the world.  Those who actually experienced that time were initially fraught with questions.  Eventually, it became clear to them.  Is it not possible that God’s answer to Habakkuk applies to us in these times that we have trouble understanding?  We must think of the amazing blessing that came out of what appeared to be a terrible and tragic miscarriage of justice – and let God be God.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.  (Isaiah 55:8)