Extermination of Jews and undesirables is acceptable. Encourage deceit and conspiracy. Make it the bedrock of a nation. Make it the foundation of your history. Sound good to you?
I once read a book called the Fatherland by Robert Harris. The book is set 20 years after World War II ended. The twist? The D-Day invasion failed, the Nazis cemented control of most of Europe, part of Russia and even half of Africa. Hitler is still alive. The travesties that happened during the war were covered up and the world did not know the truth of what happened. It was a fascinating look at how we view history.
History in our world is usually written by the victor. Had the Nazis actually won the war, their view would be looked upon rather differently in Germany than it is today. Had the Greeks or Romans not conquered most of the world, much of our history in antiquity would change. Who is the good guy? Who is the bad guy? It can depends on your own point of view.
I am grateful that I don't have to rely on my own point of view where eternity is concerned. Why? Two reasons.
1. It's HIS story.
None of this life is about me. It's about God. I've thought it interesting that the word "history" comes from a word that means "wise, learned man". Ultimately God is the wisest of any being. All of what has been, is, and ever will be, God already knows. He has created us to bring him glory. That's why were were created and made (Isaiah 43:7). I was made not for my own purposes, my own story. I was made for HIS story. It's all about him.
2. Because history has already been written.
I am grateful for the many promises of the prophets and the realization of their words in the book of Revelation. We have worries in this world, yes. But too often we are so close to the trees, we forget to see the forest. Let the economy crash. Let the nations war. Let the godless have their day. Bottom line: God wins. Which means I win. It's already done. It's all in HIS story. The church (I and every believer on the planet) has already won. Jesus will return. Satan will be crushed. It's as good as done. (Revelation 20-22)
We are all living in HIStory. Not ours. I often catch myself asking God to join me where I am. Us worship leaders do that a lot. "God, be with us today as we worship." "Join us here, Lord." I'd much rather say, "Father, can we join you in what you're doing?" In the end, it's God's point of view on history and eternity that matters. Not mine.
Let's not ask God to simply join our story. Join our song. Let's ask God if we can join HIStory! Let's join His song.
worship Him 24/7...
Scott
PS - For the record, I do not condone an uncaring attitude of Christians to the world's status. However, only in light of what God has already accomplished and commanded can we make any change. Only with God can we really show love, mercy and justice. Only with God can we reach the world for Christ, so everyone can enter into HIStory!
I once read a book called the Fatherland by Robert Harris. The book is set 20 years after World War II ended. The twist? The D-Day invasion failed, the Nazis cemented control of most of Europe, part of Russia and even half of Africa. Hitler is still alive. The travesties that happened during the war were covered up and the world did not know the truth of what happened. It was a fascinating look at how we view history.
History in our world is usually written by the victor. Had the Nazis actually won the war, their view would be looked upon rather differently in Germany than it is today. Had the Greeks or Romans not conquered most of the world, much of our history in antiquity would change. Who is the good guy? Who is the bad guy? It can depends on your own point of view.
I am grateful that I don't have to rely on my own point of view where eternity is concerned. Why? Two reasons.
1. It's HIS story.
None of this life is about me. It's about God. I've thought it interesting that the word "history" comes from a word that means "wise, learned man". Ultimately God is the wisest of any being. All of what has been, is, and ever will be, God already knows. He has created us to bring him glory. That's why were were created and made (Isaiah 43:7). I was made not for my own purposes, my own story. I was made for HIS story. It's all about him.
2. Because history has already been written.
I am grateful for the many promises of the prophets and the realization of their words in the book of Revelation. We have worries in this world, yes. But too often we are so close to the trees, we forget to see the forest. Let the economy crash. Let the nations war. Let the godless have their day. Bottom line: God wins. Which means I win. It's already done. It's all in HIS story. The church (I and every believer on the planet) has already won. Jesus will return. Satan will be crushed. It's as good as done. (Revelation 20-22)
We are all living in HIStory. Not ours. I often catch myself asking God to join me where I am. Us worship leaders do that a lot. "God, be with us today as we worship." "Join us here, Lord." I'd much rather say, "Father, can we join you in what you're doing?" In the end, it's God's point of view on history and eternity that matters. Not mine.
Let's not ask God to simply join our story. Join our song. Let's ask God if we can join HIStory! Let's join His song.
worship Him 24/7...
Scott
PS - For the record, I do not condone an uncaring attitude of Christians to the world's status. However, only in light of what God has already accomplished and commanded can we make any change. Only with God can we really show love, mercy and justice. Only with God can we reach the world for Christ, so everyone can enter into HIStory!