October 14: Of the World’s Delusions

Jeremiah 23:21-25:38

2 Thessalonians 2:1-17

Psalm 84:1-12

Proverbs 25:15

There is some twisted sense of comfort in the realization that the sins we commit today are not new.  God has seen them before.  In today's OT reading the Lord tells Jeremiah "I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name…how long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds?"  

Paul talks about it as well in the NT reading, when he says "for the secret power of lawlessness is already at work" and "the coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works.  He will use all sort of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie."   

Today those prophets are those who propagate a popular culture that denies the existence of God, the meaning of His Word, sometimes even a standard to live by other than one's own gratification.  They are the ones who substitute their standards for God's word as the measure of right and wrong; the ones who twist the meaning of love, acceptance and inclusiveness to mean the condonation of the very things God says are harmful to those whom we profess to care about.  And not all of them are to be found in Hollywood, on TV, in the movies or on the internet; some can be found in public office, even in the pulpit, preaching vociferously.  

They are also the ones we see when we look in the mirror.  The truth is, we are all guilty of ignoring, of twisting God's word to excuse, to condone, even to support our sinful behavior.  Because by doing so we reject God and all He offers, the consequences are severe.  Before Jesus came to save mankind, the Lord described such results as "everlasting disgrace - everlasting shame", about making people "abhorrent and an offense to all the kingdoms of the earth, a reproach and a byword, a curse and an object of ridicule" when they are banished.  This is not something to be taken lightly. 

What then to do?  We can go back to Paul for guidance: "So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter."  We go back to God's Word.  And when tempted by the world's promises, may we remember the psalm: "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere."  May we prefer to be doorkeepers in God's house than dwell in the homes of the wicked.