Promises, promises every ones making promises, especially the politicians. But people across the planet are sick and tired of broken promises from greedy self-centered would be leaders, rules and dictators. The people want change and the only one who can make it happen is God, and part of it is happening through an unexpected way.
This past year we see the poor people rising up in mass; rebelling against the unjust systems and demanding change from their government. Places like China, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and many other nations, you can see and hear the people crying out for justice. God is also listening and He has sent forth His sword to do justice. How that happens is His doing, but it's an answer to prayers. However, I was surprised to see on the internet that there was a revolt in the Nation of Israel this last week. So I read up on it. From what I gathered, there is an imbalance of wealth there too, just as there is in many other countries, and the Jewish people are demanding justice. The gap between the rich people and the poor "tent people" is one of the highest in the Western Civilization. That was a surprise to me. Sadly, it seems that the wealthy in Israel have formed their own kind of monopoly to increase their wealth and at the same time make it difficult for others to compete or improve their standard of living.
For some reason, I though as much difficulty and suffering as Jewish people have had over the last century, surely they would lookout more for each other. It only goes to show that greed has no boundaries, not even in the Holy Land. They actually have a long history with that problem. I guess I was hoping that some things had changed, but apparently not. However I'm praying it does and that their heart are soften and their ears ready to hear the Truth.
The Bible tells us that Jesus had strong feelings about this problem and taught the people to do what was right, including the times He went to the Temple. On two separate occasions He confronted the moneychangers and overturned their tables. He even made a whip the last time and beat them with it. (This was all a prophesy of judgment and overturn that would eventually come to the world systems, and our own false mindsets.) The religious leaders and the wealthy were abusing the House of the Lord, and taking unfair advantage of the people that they where suppose to be helping. Another time Jesus made this statement:
"The axe of his judgment is poised over you, ready to sever your roots and cut you down. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. The crowd replied, "What do you want us to do? If you have two coats," he replied, "give one to the poor. If you have extra food, give it away to those who are hungry." (Luke 3:9-11)
Even back in the days of the Prophets, the wealthy Hebrews took advantage of their brothers and others, who were acquired as slaves, because of bad debts or for other reasons. However, a covenant had been established so that at the end of every seven years they were to free their Hebrew brothers. But they had failed to keep their oath and continued to keep them in bondage, until the Lord finally confronted them. Then they agreed to release their brothers. But, later they broke their promise, just as their forefathers had, even after swearing an oath to God, and to the prophet Jeremiah.
“Therefore this is what the LORD says: You have not obeyed me; you have not proclaimed freedom to your own people. So I now proclaim ‘freedom’ for you, declares the LORD—‘freedom’ to fall by the sword, plague and famine. I will make you abhorrent to all the kingdoms of the earth." (Jeremiah 34: 12-17) Wow! If this is how God would deal with His own people, would He be any less lenient today with other people or government leaders?
We could caulk it up to greed or selfish behavior. But it seems to me that the real issue has more to do with pride. Many people like to think of themselves as being better than others and worse yet, they like people to be indebted to them for whatever reason. Some even thrive on the power of control over others. Yet, they all seem to forget that it is the Lord who gives them power or the ability to gain wealth. (Deut. 8:17) For the rich and the poor have this in common; the Lord created them both (Proverbs 22:2). And everything belongs to the Lord—all the silver, all the gold and all the cattle are mine, says the Lord. The whole earth is the Lord’s. (1Corinthians 10:26)
God will deal with people and leaders who do not help their brothers in their time of need. There is no competition in the Kingdom of God. The Bible says, we should honor our brothers and sisters and esteem others as better than ourselves. (I Peter 2:17 and Romans 12:10) There is also the Golden Rule: "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you would have them treat you." (Matthew 7:12) Jesus also taught them to:
"Love your neighbor as much as you love yourself." (Mat.22:39)
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."(John 13:34)
These commands of Jesus are greatly lacking in the world today. Yet, Jesus told His disciples that the world would know them by their agape love, and to let it shine out for all the world to see. That is how real change will come about. A new Kingdom is coming and it will be established through the Sons of God.
We have all broken promises. Maybe that is why Jesus tells us not to make them. (Mt. 5:37) God should be the only one who makes them, because He will never breaks His promise.
10 years ago
