I still remember an interview Katie Couric had with Anne Graham Lotz just a few days after 9/11. (Lotz is the daughter of evangelist Billy Graham.) Though my quote may not be exact, it is very close to what was said.
Couric asked Lotz - "If there is a God and He is so loving and kind, why did He allow something like this to happen?"
Lotz responded by saying - "God is a gentleman and He will not force Himself upon us. For decades we have been telling Him that we do not want Him to be a part of our Government, our schools or our lives. Perhaps He is doing what we have asked."
Many see a strong comparison in the current condition of America and a time in the history of Israel. Repeatedly the Lord had tried to warn His people to return to Him, yet they continued to live sinfully and independent. Finally the day came when the Lord said that enough was enough.We read these sad words from Jeremiah's prophecy - with the continued bloodshed in Gaza, they have been on my mind a lot lately.
"Harvest has passed, summer has ended, but we have not been saved." Jeremiah 8: 20
We read in the first chapter of the book of Romans that there can come a time when God will give people over to a 'reprobate mind.' A reprobate mind is a mind that is rejected because it has become completely worthless. Some translations refer to this as an evil mind. Others call it depraved.
We learn from 2 Peter 3 that in the last days there will be many who will mock the possibility of the return of Christ and judgement of the world. Yet Peter tells us that the reason God delays His coming is not because He has forgotten or gone back on His Word, but because He is - 'not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.' Christ still wants us to share the Gospel with those who are lost.
I noticed the days getting shorter this week ... as we see summer winding down and fall quickly approaching, let it be a reminder to us of the shortness of our time and our need to tell others about God's saving grace. One day the harvest will be passed. One day summer will be ended. Let us pray that when that day comes
our friends and family will not have to say - "but we have not been saved."
~ Pastor Todd
