18 February 2014

I Have a Question

Matthew 12:25
"And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand..."
Why mention that verse? Easy: look at the political and social situation in this country.

Half of the country wants gay marriage; the other half doesn't.
Half of the country wants abortion.
Half of the country wants free healthcare.
Half of the country wants legalized marijuana.
Half want food stamps and higher minimum wages and and and ...
Half want ... well, you get the idea.

As many others have already observed, this country is radically polarized in a way that doesn't appear to have occurred since 1860. If you're not concerned about it, you wouldn't have read this far.

The BIG question is, what will God allow to happen to this nation? Have we crossed that line where He withholds His mercy, and pronounces judgment?

Discussion?

20 comments:

eiaftinfo said...

Our first reading from Sunday at Mass:

If you choose you can keep the commandments, they will save you;
if you trust in God, you too shall live;
he has set before you fire and water
to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand.
Before man are life and death, good and evil,
whichever he chooses shall be given him.
Immense is the wisdom of the Lord;
he is mighty in power, and all-seeing.
The eyes of God are on those who fear him;
he understands man’s every deed.
No one does he command to act unjustly,
to none does he give license to sin.

sir 15:15-20

We have a choice . . . as the Old Knight cautioned . . . we need to choose wisely.

Rev. Paul said...

That's a very good admonition, and contains much Godly wisdom. Thank you.

We're a nation that used to fear (respect with awe & honor) God, but don't anymore. We've turned from the fear of the Lord, to worshiping other gods & idols.

"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

uncle al said...

No man knoweth the day nor hour...... But if one spends any time reading/studying Gods word it surely seems as if His judgment can't be far off . Wars and "almost" wars across the globe and many other signs . Great question and most assuredly thought provoking.

SENIOR said...

Wow, that's a tough one. I think about things like this a lot, but are they compassionate and ethical, no but I fear that we may go back to the 1860's type passion to correct these problems with our country. There will be a breaking point, but when?

Rev. Paul said...

uncle al, you're right of course. But we can know the season, and surely that season is all but upon us.

Senior, the line we mustn't cross, according to the Scriptures, is the shedding of righteous blood. The first time someone actually kills Christians in this country will most likely start that countdown.

Old NFO said...

I don't have a good answer... I put my trust in the man upstairs... all I can do!

CottonLady said...

Jesus told His disciples that if the town would not receive them, that they should shake the dust off their feet and leave. This country is quickly turning into the "town", I feel. Too many are turning their backs on our Lord. God will not remain patient forever. We Christians must stay true to His Word no matter what. Our reward will be in Heaven!! We need to stay ready for Him!

Rev. Paul said...

NFO, THAT'S the right answer.

CottonLady - yes, ma'am! That's exactly right.

Six said...

That's THE question Rev. I find that I'm of two minds on the answer but I'm not sure what that says about me. On the one hand I fear for my grandchildren. They're just getting started and this country, once such a shining example of freedom and Godliness, is visibly failing and they'll never know her as she once was. My life is mostly gone but theirs is just beginning and it breaks my heart.

On the other hand I hold no fear for my own fate. Let what is to come fall upon my shoulders (and the rest of the Dangerous Old Men). As a Christian I look forward with a joyous heart to His return though I find myself praying for his forgiveness and divine intervention.

On the gripping hand I have placed my trust implicitly in my God. I can do no more or less. That trust calms my fears and lights my path.

Rev. Paul said...

Six, you've said it as well as it can be said. Thank you - and God bless you and your family.

OldAFSarge said...

I trust in the Lord God Almighty. I render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's (though grudgingly at times).

I fear only the Lord. Remember, we are passing through the valley of the shadow of death at the moment. The bright uplands are still before us.

Don't despair, the Lord of hosts is with us! Whatever happens, it is the Will of God.

Rev. Paul said...

Well said, Sarge. Thanks.

Max said...

This makes me wonder, does god allow anything and if so does that mean there is a denial of anything?
Is god allowing what is going on across the globe?
Does the power of prayer work or is that being selfish? Is it better to just let 'X' happen and call it gods will?

I think god would be sitting back shaking his head and looking for aspirin. Let people stand on their own merits I say.

just thoughts.

Rev. Paul said...

Max, let me address these in the order you asked.

a. The Bible makes it clear that nothing happens without His permission. That said, much of what is allowed to happen is the natural result of man's sin nature, dating all the way back to Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden. Natural actions have natural consequences.

b. Prayer ABSOLUTELY works, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I've personally seen too many miracles - and I use that word deliberately - to believe anything else.

c. God definitely intervenes when His people pray in faith and ask Him to. His children are instructed to pray for those in authority, for peace, for the sick, etc. The way the system works is that God wants us to ask Him to get involved, but He won't unless we do.

I laughed at the line about Him looking for aspirin. Nothing we do surprises Him, since He already knows we're going to do it. But I know He wishes we'd listen to Him more.

Much heartache and pain would be avoided if we were obedient to His instruction.

CottonLady said...

"Amen" Rev. Paul in your response to Max! You warmed this sinner's heart, I am so thankful our God!

Rev. Paul said...

Thank you, my friend.

ProudHillbilly said...

I believe that the spiritual is as structural in us as is the physical. Half the nation has chosen to do the same as if they abused or neglected the physical. I don't think God has to actively do anything because we are violating laws as imprinted on us the fact that we need a heart to physically survive - we are breaking down and collapsing on our own.

Rev. Paul said...

My point exactly, PH. Thank you!

Max said...

I do try and make people laugh when I can.

I don't disagree with anything you said, it's nice to be able to toss questions out on a neutral playing field.

"But I know He wishes we'd listen to Him more."

No matter your faith, beliefs (or non), everyone needs to listen more. Myself included.

Rev. Paul said...

Thanks, Max. Your questions will always be welcome here, and I'll answer to the best of my ability.