Expect Surprises from God

 Everything is changing around us. Not since the last world war have we experienced such a traumatic acceleration of change.

For two hundred years, our culture has been characterised by an optimistic view of the world. The philosophers and intellectual writers of the Enlightenment and scientists for over a hundred years have taught us a view where progress is supposed to solve our problems.

But now everything is coming apart at the seams.

A few years ago, I was a guest preacher in a small church. I heard an unusual word from the Holy Spirit. It was a song, not a hymn and not in German.

Everyday, it's a gettin' closer
Goin' faster than a roller coaster
Love like yours will surely come my way

I shared this message in the congregation. The pastor confirmed the word from God. A guest preacher a few years ago had shared a similar prophecy, speaking of a roller coaster.

The song is about a romantic love affair with a woman. The singer falls in love and is enraptured by the acceleration in the new relationship. In the Bible, we see that God loves his people like a faithful man loves his fiancée.

The amazing acceleration of change around us is like a roller-coaster.

In these chaotic times, many shocked people are looking for a return to the old days. Many want to hold on to old traditions.

Some want to avoid the international crisis by restoring the nationalism of the past.

We are overwhelmed by climate change, terrorism and pandemics. In a world where all sorts of storms are raging, many are looking for a safe cosy corner in a religion where everything is well known and no changes are allowed.

We see this in conservative Christian communities, which are strongly characterised by conformism and dogmatism. We see these religious tendencies everywhere and in different denominations, and also in fundamentalism in other religions.

We also see exactly the opposite tendency. There are also churches that want to be modern and tolerant, where everything in the Bible is questioned.

 Everything is like a roller-coaster where we strive to hold on somehow.

The Bible is our anchor and foundation. Only in God's Word do we find eternal, unchanging truth. 

The Bible speaks of a flawless, unchanging God who never deviates from unchanging principles. We need that like never before.

But the Bible is not just a law book or a theological textbook. In the Bible, we find amazing stories where God surprises us again and again with totally unexpected supernatural acts.

God only once allowed the Hebrews to cross the Red Sea on dry seabed.

God only once let a giant be killed by a boy.

We can expect unprecedented global revival in this crisis. We see this in biblical prophecies.

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. Hab 2:14 NIV

Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old.
I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Is 43:18–19 NRSV

We must expect huge surprises and pray for them.

‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ Jer 33:3 NASB95

God and Political Confusion

 The violent conflicts in Africa and the Middle East are terrible, but not new. The political conflict in North America, Britain and Europe is another matter.

National unity and mutual tolerance is fading fast. Conservatives hate progressives, and progressives hate conservatives. Christian churches are being torn apart by internal ideological conflicts which reflect the wider society.

Many British Christians passionately supported Brexit, while other Christians were horrified and wanted to stay in the EU.

When an American preacher preached on the Sermon on the Mount, many aggressively conservative members objected that these pacifist teachings were too weak and unworkable.

Many American conservatives want to support any leader who supports their beliefs, regardless of how authoritarian, dishonest or immoral he might be.

On the other hand, some progressive politicians are allowing live birth abortions and promoting extreme post Christian policies on gender issues.

Christians used to support strong American military defence against potential Russian aggression. Now many conservative Christians are supporting Putin because he goes to church and persecutes homosexuals. They forget that Hitler also persecuted homosexuals and enlisted the support of churches.

There are Christians who support minimum wage laws, legal protection for trade unions, government help for sick, disabled and disadvantaged people, social justice for racial minorities, and equal rights for women, but they also oppose unlimited abortion and post Christian gender ideology. Who can they vote for?

As I lay in bed early this morning, a bible text came to me.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. Ps 46:1–4 NIV

Everything is shaking. There is an epidemic of homelessness in rich countries because of unjust laws governing tax, real estate investment, low wages and inadequate welfare benefits.

God is our refuge. God is still God. God is not asleep in these confused times.

God is not a left wing progressive and not a right wing capitalist. God is God, and He is good.