Just the way it is

You don’t see them as often as you once did. Perhaps they moved on to greener pastures or to a better life. Maybe they’ve just gone, leaving only the hauntingly indelible image (Exodus 3:7) of what it looks like to be poor, destitute, alone and needy in a world where everything is conspicuously consumed. Our downtown is undergoing a major facelift, a popular revival, and becoming what city founders envisioned years ago – a place where people from all walks can work, play and engage. But, even as silk suits have been replaced by casual business attire, the poor man’s eyes see the same sad scenario repeatedly re-staged (Proverbs 14:20). No conversation, no physical contact, no helping hand extended to one that’s attempting to grasp a glimmer of hope or the possibility of righting a ship silently sinking into the abyss. Sadly, the rules of engagement don’t appear to have changed over time. No spoken words, no connection between people who have much more in common than they might imagine. Those called into God’s kingdom are to serve, with righteousness and justice, the oppressed, the exiled and the downtrodden (Isaiah 58:7-8). In so doing, blessings will be bestowed on both parties involved. You may not think you can make a difference. You may hear some say that things will never change, that it’s just the way it is. Don’t you believe them.

Show me the way

Traveling today takes guts… or a good Garmin. Relying on man-made space satellites, the sophisticated global positioning system, with just a few keystrokes, can aid an intrepid explorer in reaching his final destination with minimal headache (Ezra 8:21). Having a road map for your road trip offers an old-school thrill of the unknown, since newer construction is often omitted. A more-detailed atlas, weighing dozens of pounds, might serve a useful purpose as a tire tool, doubling as a cinder block in cases of extreme emergency or inclement weather. While some stick to the freeways, others seek the byways less traveled (Exodus 23:2). Street signs are continually confusing, billboards occasionally confounding and navigators conversationally challenging. Yet, no matter which path is chosen, trouble can – and generally does -- rear its ugly head to spoil or ruin an otherwise well-intentioned expedition. Fortunately, we have our own GPS, also known as God’s Positioning System, to clear the route and smooth the way (Deuteronomy 1:33), eliminating the detours and distractions that entrap and enrage the careless commuter. Consulting the Creator before backing out of the garage is the best way to guarantee an “on-time” arrival.

Another day in paradise

The world is in turmoil. A fragile planet is repeatedly rocked by the violent nature of its galactic environment, the resulting earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and tornadoes costing thousands of lives and untold millions of dollars (Luke 21:11). Increasingly, however, much of the madness is caused by man himself. Merciless dictators and their oppressive regimes suppress basic civil rights, withholding freedoms from those with no voice in how their own governments will govern. The Bible makes it clear that God will not tolerate such continued disobedience (Job 21:20) and the flagrant flaunting of His command to love one another. The list of atrocities that man heaps upon his fellow man grows more heart-wrenching with each passing day. Widespread disease, starvation, euthanasia, mass killing and mutilation claim countless more lives. Lord, is there nothing more anybody can do? Oh, Lord, there must be something you can say! The sum total of human suffering staggers the serene and surely unsettles the secure. The Creator will bring his righteousness and judgment upon this earth (2 Chronicles 20:9) at the time of his choosing and His justice will be swift and certain. If you’re removed by grace from all the tragedy, be thankful and think twice… it’s just another day for you and me in paradise.