Sunday 11 March 2012

The Beginning Of Sorrows

It seems that the more time passes the further away from God society is moving. Sometimes when I look at the lost condition of the world and hear how hateful people can be towards God it fills my heart with despair. I often think of the Bible passage from Romans 1:28-32 which reads,

"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them."


I know that’s a really hard hitting section of Scripture but I just feel that it’s a very apt description of society today. When I look around and see the increase in wars and rumours of wars, natural disasters, acts of terrorism, the nature of the crimes we see being committed on a daily basis and the levels of debauchery that not only go on in society these days but are actually celebrated, it's clear to see that the world is rapidly going in the direction that the Bible said it would. If it hadn't been for God's foreknowledge of this and His promise that this would be a sign of His imminent return I think the despair would be too much to handle. Knowing that Jesus is in control no matter how godless the world becomes is a huge comfort and encouragement to me and these feelings inspired my poem "The Beginning Of Sorrows."
O' soul of mine do not be vexed by troubles in this life complexed.
I see man's hateful views of God while depravation gains applaud.
At blasphemies do not be shocked and know that God will not be mocked.
To curse Him is a grave mistake for vengeance is the Lord's to take.

O' inner calm do not retreat, these evil days are bitter sweet
For God has said that these are signs of Christ's return, the end of times.
So heart of mine be troubled not, God said "As in the days of Lot."
These times are dark with wicked ways, polluted by debauched displays.

Denying proof of God's creation, believing we're a chimp's relation!
Preferring to associate with monkeys than the God we hate!
We'd rather choose a mammal's story than honour God and give Him glory.
Though hearts embrace these lies absurd, stay true to Christ and preach the Word.

Be bold and represent the Light, bring rays of hope to pierce the night!
For there are those who wield the sword and say they kill to "praise their Lord."
In spite of what their acts proclaim they'll waken to eternal shame
So let me focus not on strife but on the God who brings us life!

O' peace of mine return to me. I once was blind but now I see!
Now Heaven will receive my soul so rest and know God's in control
For He's the Author of all life and will return to end this strife.
So use this time to pray for those who do not share the Saviour's robes.

These troubled times my soul can face with Christ who'll help me run the race.
The devil's plans my Lord will quell and give me strength to finish well.
So hands of mine pick up your Sword and keep your focus on the Lord!
Pray make my life a Christ-like story. May I live for Jesus' glory!

Matthew 24: 3-8

"Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”  And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.  For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.  And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.  All these are the beginning of sorrows."

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