BLOG 12/5/17. “HOW LONG, O LORD?”
Some weeks back, I posted on this site a blog on the importance of the Book of Revelation in scripture because it is an overview of human history, and the warfare between “the beast and the Lamb.” What was surprising was that it got one of the largest discernable responses of any blog I have done. That comes back to me today particularly as we look at a nation and a world that seems so inextricably engaged in destructive behavior. It brings me to the poignant picture in Revelation 6:10, where God’s people are being assaulted by warfare, famine, poverty, martyrdom, and seeming hopelessness. The observer sees, under the altar those who had been slain for their witness, crying out: how long before you will judge and avenge our blood?
Then step back with me, and look at the reality that our current existential setting mirrors that cry. In this nation of which I am a part there is political cowardice, wickedness in high places, unjust incarceration of multitudes, discrimination against so many minorities, shootings in churches, … and there seems to be no solution. But then, look at the reality that in this world of ours, God’s people, who are our fellow-citizens in the kingdom of God, are experiencing horrendous terrors—some seen, and most unseen—among Arab Christians in the Middle East, affliction at the hands of ISIS, inhumane affliction of minorities in Myanmar, Afghanistan, and so many other nations. Don’t you know that there are a huge host of our persecuted Christian kinsmen, not to mention that huge host of those of other religions suffering, who are crying out: “How long, O Lord?”
From the perspective of the Book of Revelation, the interpretation gives hope, and gives to us a course of action that is (in merely human terms) totally impossible. It is the insight that it is these prayers of near despair from under altar that determine the course of human history! (Revelation 8:1-5). That sounds crazy to our culture so captive to rationalism and human solutions to problems. What is our response to be to all the darkness and governmental chaos in our own, and so many other nations? Prayer. Humanly, it is laughable. But we are reminded that the seventh piece of God’s whole armor for us in this battle, is “praying always” (Ephesians 6:18). Prayer is the most pragmatic and effective weapon we have.
I also commend some hymns, as good prayers: Take, for-instance:
God is working his purpose out,
as year succeeds to year,
God is working his purpose out,
and the time is drawing near;
nearer and nearer draws the time,
the time that shall surely be,
when the earth shall be filled with the glory of God
as the waters cover the sea.
Or:
O God of Truth . . .
Still smite; still burn; till naught is left
But God’s own truth and love;
Then, Lord, as morning dew come down,
Rest on us from above.
Cultural and political chaos is not new, . . . nor are those who distort the message of Jesus in denial of his clear teachings for their own political purposes, but rather that we are God’s new creation committed to peace and order and justice, … and the walking talking incarnations of his love. Stay tuned … [and invite your friends to tune in also. Thanks.]
