Good morning and happy Saturday. Hey men, there is a breakfast at 8 am this morning if you want to come. It will be a good time of fellowship and a guarantee that we will not be eating healthy.
A while back, Michelle and I were in the D.C. area visiting Hannah and Daniel. One day, Michelle and I were walking around the Capitol Mall and seeing the sights. We came across one of the reflecting pools and stopped to watch the family of ducks swimming around. It was then that I noticed a little item that helped the ducklings get into the water since the sides were too high for them. On the side of it was written, “Duck Ramp.” My first comment to Michelle was that I didn’t know that ducks could read English. I wonder if they used Rosetta Stone, the Duckling Version? My next comments were relative to how I could imagine the arguments that would take place over those simple ramps to help those sophisticated city ducks get into the cement pond. Some would be in favor of it, helping out the ducks as well as enhancing the experience of the visitors to the Capitol. Others would have a fit, decrying it as yet another example of government waste. I am surprised that there still weren’t rallies going on with people on both sides of the issue. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are issues absolutely worth fighting for. The abortion issue is literally a matter of life and death. And people are incredibly passionate about it. That is understandable and appropriate. But what about Duck Ramps? I decided to do a little research and guess what I discovered? Apparently, they were installed in 2017 and, sure enough, people took sides and argued about it. I think that is fairly reflective of our country over the last decade. We have become incredibly polarized and there is no end in sight. If one person is for something, then another has to oppose it, often out of spite and to perpetuate the discord. Again, there are real issues that must be addressed, supported and even fought for. But come on, do we have to fight about everything? Sometimes it seems as though we live in a country of three-year-olds all having temper tantrums when we don’t get our way. You don’t have to be a prophet to predict the trajectory of things without Divine intervention. Jesus said, ‘a kingdom divided against itself will not stand.” Do you think we will prove Him wrong? Never have, never will.
So, what are we to do? First of all, don’t compromise clear Biblical convictions. But also make sure that you understand what the Bible says about the issues at hand. It is easy to take a verse or two out of context and make it support almost anything you want. That is not how the Bible is meant to be used.
In Psalm 148, we read about all of creation praising God. In verses 1 through 10 we read:1 Hallelujah! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights.
2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly armies.
3 Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens.
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded, and they were created.
6 He set them in position forever and ever; he gave an order that will never pass away.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth, all sea monsters and ocean depths,
8 lightningand hail, snow and cloud, stormy wind that executes his command,
9 mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all cattle, creatures that crawl and flying birds…
Therefore, if we just use this passage and the creation accounts, we should do what we can for the little ducks since they are part of God’s creation. But what if we just want to focus on Acts 10? It is there we read:9 The next day, as they were traveling and nearing the city, Peter went up to pray on the roof about noon. 10 He became hungry and wanted to eat, but while they were preparing something, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw heaven opened and an object that resembled a large sheet coming down, being lowered by its four corners to the earth. 12 In it were all the four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, and the birds of the sky. 13 A voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat.” (Acts 10). Does that mean instead of building a duck ramp we should build a duck blind and blast those little creatures so we can eat them? I hope you get the point. Study your Bible and keep things in context.
Secondly, pray for this country and for each other. Jesus taught in Matthew 5:43 “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighborand hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemiesand pray for those whopersecute you, 45 so that you may bechildren of your Father in heaven. For he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. The Apostle Paul instructed in 1 Timothy 2: 1First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Lastly, don’t be a busybody, a meddler, argumentative and mean-spirited. That doesn’t help anyone. Jesus taught in Matthew 5: 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. He told that to people that would be sharing the message of Jesus Christ. The very message that they would defend even to their death. And yet, they were to be peacemakers. In 1 Peter 3, we are taught: 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear themor be intimidated, 15 but in your hearts regardChristthe Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. 16 Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame.
There is a lot more that could be written on this subject, but this will have to suffice for now. I will conclude with the final words of Ecclesiastes: 12 But beyond these, my son, be warned: there is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body. 13 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: fear God and keep his commands, because this is for allhumanity. 14 For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.
From our neighborhoods to the nations,
Pastor Larry
0 Comments