28/08/2013 - A PORTRAIT OF OUR SOCIETY

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From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but wounds and bruises and putrefying sores; they have not been closed or bound up, or soothed with ointment.

Isaiah 1.6

In the days of prophet Isaiah, the Israelites strayed from the path of the Lord, thus attracting evil for them. This is a valuable lesson for us, because, if we are ashamed of God, he will also be ashamed of us (Mark 8.38; Luke 9.26). Wouldn’t this be the reason why so many families are suffering today? What they need to do is go back to God’s path, and wash their robes in the blood of Jesus. Then days of peace will come.

We can see the enemy working in our society on a large scale—both in the lives of those who should be setting a good example and in the lives of simple people. Some people are driven by carnal pleasures, others by money and illegal practices, and violence is widespread. What should we do in face of that? Only the gospel has the solution for the crisis that has come upon our nation, and as Christians we can help a lot. In fact, only the Word of God can heal our people. So let’s take action!

So many people are struggling with cancer nowadays—more than ever before! It seems that this terrible disease “was granted the right” to oppress and destroy people freely. Diabetes is another illness that makes many people suffer. There are entire families suffering from this condition! Another thing is this epidemic of obesity in our country, with many other problems stemming from this condition, such as hypertension and stroke.

In the days of Isaiah, there was no soundness or purity among the Israelites. Is the same thing happening to us? People suffered from wounds, bruises and putrefying sores. Was God referring only to them, or he is saying the same about us today, because we have given into temptation, which leads to suffering? In our society, young people, for example, seem to have gone crazy, doing drugs and all sorts of stuff. Some authorities even contribute to this type of error, as they fail to propose an efficient solution to the problem.

“Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child” (Ecclesiastes 10.16). Where are we going to end up, since so many kinds of sin are committed and ignored? Where are those who could serve as a mirror for those who are weak, thus helping them stand firm? Why do some people insist on leading the majority if they cannot find—or do not want to find—a solution to our problems? It is time for the gospel to be preached by those who truly fear the Lord; after all, if we remain silent, how will this help others?

The Israelites insisted on their sins, so they became captive. He who does not repent will not attain salvation, and his sins will not be forgiven; he will march on to eternal slavery, and will perish (2Peter 3.9). Therefore, brethren, blame no one for what happens to you. Turn away from the devil today, and you will see what God can do in your life.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares