Righteousness Solves the World’s Problems

Read story after story of investigative reporting, and it reveals the wrong actions of people in society, where untold damage takes place. When will we ever learn? Instead of attempting to only put out all the fires of the arsonist, catch the fire bug. Even better, deal with the fire of the human heart. Government attempts to use force to maintain society — as it must — but, right action or righteousness is primarily the domain of God dealing with the human heart. “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34 KJV). As much as we desire the miraculous to solve the problems of humanity, miracles do not necessarily fix the problem of our lack of understanding of how or why God wants the world to act. “The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalm 119:130). Righteousness is right action, and we still need miracles to survive the opposition our adversary, as a “roaring lion” (1Peter 5:8), who dearly opposes righteousness. LORD, You are our Righteousness. Only Your Spirit working in anyone can cause right action. Work righteousness in us here below that it may continue into Your heavenly presence. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Where Freedom Ends

My right to swing my fist ends where your nose begins. God created all humans “in His own image” (Genesis 1:27 KJV) with the potential of free moral choice. Without the liberty or freedom of choice, humanity is less than human — reduced to slavery, serfdom, or a clone imitation of a real human. But, the very freedom to choose must also contain the seeds of rejection of that liberty, unless the subsequent generations choose to continue in that liberty. If left solely in the hands of humankind, then we are in great peril of being the last generation who understands the Truth. But, glory be to God, He has given us His Eternal Spirit (Hebrews 9:24), through the new birth (John 7:39) and baptism (Acts 2:38) to ensure the success of Truth to the end! “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come” (John 16:13). 

How to Protect the Minority

“Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Exodus 22:21 KJV). Foreigners in Ancient Israel were given the liberty and safety to reside among the Israelites, for the Israelites were once foreigners in Egypt. Though not a totally clear picture of the status of possible immigrants in Israel, it is telling that Jehovah gave them special protection. Where the LORD gave “liberty throughout all the land” (Leviticus 25:10), it extended to its immigrants. Liberty or freedom of choice is a trademark of a nation who knows the LORD. “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2Corinthians 3:17). Israel could not continue as a nation singularly for Jehovah, if the culture and religion of the immigrants overpowers the worship of the True God rather than becoming assimilated to Yahweh. If we promote True Christian Liberty, the minorities will be protected; or, we will succumb to foreign gods, if the Spirit of God is not given free reign to effectively propagate the Truth. 

I Know Where You Live

God’s words, not mine. Depends on who you are. It is a threat against you, if you are like the Assyrian King Sennacherib, ranting against Yahweh (701 BC) in the Levant, besieging Jerusalem. “I know where you live and everything you do and how you rage against Me” (Isaiah 37:28 NET). Biblical and secular histories differ, where the siege against King Hezekiah at Jerusalem ended with an angel killing “185,000 troops in the Assyrian camp” (37:26), Sennacherib returned to Nineveh, and was slain by his own sons (37:38; 681 BC). Assyrian annals left out the part where the Lord’s angel killed 185,000 troops, instead they recorded: “Hezekiah was overwhelmed by fear of [Sennacherib’s] ‘Lordly brilliance’ and submitted to paying a large tribute of soldiers, hostages, gold and silver, weapons, and other valuables to be delivered to Nineveh.” Revisionist history or fake news, since 2Kings 19 gives an authentic account of the supernatural annihilation and humiliation received by Sennacherib. May the LORD’s words, “I know where you live,” be received as encouragement for the godly that He knows how to deal with the ungodly, and even inspire the afflicted, as later for the New Covenant Church of Pergamum. “I know where you live – where Satan’s throne is. Yet you continue to cling to My name and you have not denied your faith in Me, even in the days of Antipas, My faithful witness, who was killed in your city where Satan lives” (Revelation 2:13). LORD, come quickly and deliver Your people. Amen. 

Brainwashed By Propaganda

Brainwashed by propaganda to determine our reality is another way of saying, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2Corinthians 5:17 KJV). Human government either will deny its purpose to promote the common good and punish the evil; or, it will seek the good of the few and punish those who object. Speak the truth that promotes your neighbor’s good as equal to your own. That is the love that holds society together. The cooperation of human beings is essential for any human government to exist. The cultural or moral values of the population shape the agreement upon which human government stands. Change the hearts and minds of the people, and human governments change. For this reason, it is most essential to stay focused on the underlying power of the Gospel to transform us into those who do the will of God. Good human governments will appreciate this and promote environments that encourage it. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2 KJV). LORD, may Thy kingdom come and Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Amen and amen.