Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Don't Despair...God Delights Over You

The eyes of the world continue to focus upon what is happening in Libya. Forces loyal to Qaddafi battle for control of strategic locations against those forces demanding that he step down from power. The nation has become embroiled in a civil war. What should be the response on the part of nations around the globe? Economic sanctions are being empowered. There has even been talk of a military intervention. Personally, this last idea surprised me. Just as we are beginning a pull back from Iraq, are we so quickly to engage in another conflict in Libya?

Qaddafi appears to have lost credibility with many in Libya. Because of this conflict we are learning of his involvement in the Pan Am flight disaster over Lockerbie, Scotland, years ago. He was a madman then, he remains a madman. And yet many are willing to die for him.

As I listened to portions of his speeches last week and watched the responses of those who applauded him, I began to understand once again the power of delusional thinking. Qaddafi has believed the lie that he can do no wrong; that everyone in Libya loves him, in fact, they would gladly die for him. And some would. I believe that the Antichrist will hold a similar sway over his followers. They will have believed the lie that he foisted upon them. They will have committed themselves to him even to the point of death. It is only the truth that we have through Jesus Christ and His Word that can truly liberate a person from bondage. This is the great need that Libya truly has.

A second place the world has focused attention upon in recent weeks is in neighboring Madison, Wisconsin. Could this be the beginning of another American Revolution? Whether you agree with the plan Governor Walker has put in place, you have to applaud the fact that he is taking leadership for that plan. He believes in that plan. He is willing to put his political career on the line for that plan. I believe that if he succeeds, a spark will have been lit that will blaze brightly in other statehouses around our nation and, perhaps, even reach Washington itself. We are bankrupt financially and morally. There are no longer any "rainy day" funds available. Yes, probably taxes will have to be increased, but first there needs to be a measured response in the form of significant spending cuts. Yet, I believe the Bible correctly describes that a coming economic disaster is about to overtake the entire world. You can read about it in Revelation 6. Inflation will once again be in a run-away mode. Prices will be soaring. The chasm between the financially well-off and those who are not will be widened greatly. So, what happens eventually in Madison will only have a limited impact. Ugly financial days are forthcoming.

All is not lost. There is still much for which to celebrate. God is still in control. I want to close with a great verse that really shares so powerfully God's commitment to us, His children. It is found in Zephaniah 3:17. And it states: "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Pretty amazing, don't you think? When things get bad this week and you tend toward despair, just recite Zephaniah 3:17 to yourself and celebrate the fact that God delights in you and enjoy being quieted with His love.

No comments: