One Thing Hasn't Changed

     A friend and I were discussing how times have changed since we were growing up.  Back in earlier times, life was much simpler.  There was no Internet to distract us nor were there cell phones.  We were lucky if we had the chance to have a few minutes on our standard land line.  In addition, it seemed as if moral foundations were deeper,  More people attended church and had a greater respect for authority than today.  However, this problem of change is not something new.
     There was a time in Israel's history when the people faithfully followed the Lord and obeyed His commands.  They built God a great Temple, but after the death of David, the kingdom was torn in two.  Many of the kings were wicked and led the people to worship idols; so God dealt with their disobedience by allowing the Kingdom of Judah to be taken into captivity.  The Prophet Isaiah

delivered God's words of judgement to the people.  Chapter five covers six woes to an unresponsive "chosen" people of God.  In verse 20, he speaks to what happens to a nation when they leave the foundation of God's truth:  "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter."  What a timely message for us as well!
     Many of us have seen the downward spiral of our country.  Its been going on for years, and we have seen people call evil things good and good things evil.  Lack of accountability, the worship of pleasure and the lust for power have become the central focus for many.  Isaiah might well have been preaching to us because nothing has changed.  Why is that?  Let me suggest that it is due to the sin nature found in man.  We are all born into sin and dead in our trespasses.  In fact, the Bible says we are children of the devil.  I John 3:10 says:  "By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother."  
     As we look around us, should we be surprised that people would rather believe a lie than face the truth?  Until the Lord regenerates the heart and calls us to Himself, the cycle continues.  Unfortunately, many in our day and age are quick to blame the environment someone grows up in for their lawless behavior, but the heart of the matter is that there is something wrong with the heart.
     While we desire, as believers, to see morality once again restored, it cannot happen until hearts are changed.  We can pass all the laws we want, we can demonstrate in the street, but only God can set souls free.  The Good News is that the Lord has commissioned us to go out into this world and share our faith so that men and women can be restored through the blood of Jesus Christ.  No longer will they call evil good and good evil.  Their eyes will be opened to the truth, and they will put aside fantasy and embrace the truth found in the Bible.
     Yes, times have radically changed in terms of instant communication and travel, but one thing has never changed - man's need for a Savior.  Without the clear vision that only Christ can give, we all walk in darkness.  We cannot go back to the time which is past but we can boldly step out in faith and share what God has done for us in Christ today.  May we never grow weary in well doing for the glory of God and the sake of His kingdom.  Now is the day of salvation.  Selah!