What’s the World Coming To?

“Marijuana advocates lay groundwork for legalization in Mass” New reports indicate that pro-recreational marijuana initiatives are expected in various states in 2016 including Arizona, California, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada.  And Alaska is close to being the third states to legalize the drug.

Even some so-called conservatives are saying the war on drugs has failed, so let’s legalize pot.  Plus it will provide more revenue in taxes for the government.  Unbelievable!

“Alex Rodriguez sues to overturn ban” The New York Yankees super-star who was suspended for 162 games by Major League Baseball for using performance enhancing drugs is now suing MLB for reinstatement!  Incredible!

In addition to those stories, we have Utah being the 17^th state to adopt same-sex marriage.  There was a shooting yesterday in a Florida theater over the use of a cell phone.  The Octomom is charged with welfare fraud. A New York woman punches an elderly Wal-Mart greeter.  The stock market falls to a two month low.  And there continues the toxic atmosphere in Washington, D.C. among politicians who can’t get along or accomplish much “for the people.”

Ok, enough, I know!  Besides, ThePreachersWord is supposed to be a “delightful word”!  Right?  But, let’s admit it.  We all get discouraged over the depressing news from time to time and find ourselves asking, “What’s the world coming to?”

A fair question.  But maybe we should ask “Who’s coming to the world?”

In the first place it’s not all bad news!  Buried on the back page, or not reported at all are good people quietly going about their business doing good.  A man rescuing a little boy who’s fallen into a sewer.  A teenager girl organizes a prayer group at school.  A teacher donates her kidney to a sick student.  An Oklahoma woman who confronted a thief who stole her wallet and then bought him groceries.  A man who leaves a $100 tip for a waitress, then writes a $5000 check for her college tuition.

Some of these stories briefly make the news.  They make us feel good.  But they are quickly forgotten.  Buried in our consciousness.  And then swallowed up by more bad news.

What’s the world coming to?  It would be well for us to remember:

1.  Paul Harvey was right. “It times like these, in helps to recall that there have always been times like these!”  The Bible even records periods of history among God’s people that were dark and dismal.  During the Judges “every man did what was right in his own eyes.”  Not much has changed.

2. There’s still a lot of good people in this world.  Honest people. Honorable people.  God-fearing people who have not bowed down to “the god of this world.” And I can be one of them!  “The salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.”

3. God is!  He is alive and well.  He sees. Hears. Knows. Cares.  And God in His providential care will provide for His people.  He will vindicate their cause.

4. The Gospel is still the GOOD NEWS!  It tells us of God’s love. Jesus’ sacrifice for sin.  The Holy Spirit’s revelation of  God’s Word.  It gives us help. Hope.  And direction.  It provides peace. Pardon. And protection.  The Gospel says: “A better day is coming!”  “A better world is prepared.”  And “a better body is awaiting!”  Ahh, GOOD NEWS indeed!

So, turn off CNN, Fox, and CBS.  Put down the newspaper.  Shut down the computer.  Put away the smart phone.  Tune out the bad news. And pick up a Bible.  Read about God.  Learn about Jesus.  And find the Faith to overcome this world’s craziness.

Oh, and take a moment to pray.  God’s waiting to hear from you.  And He’s got some GOOD NEWS for you!

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman