Readings for today: 2 Samuel 17-18, Luke 21:1-19
In my devotional reading recently, I came across these words, “Deep in every human life there is somehow that which defiles it.” Written in 1943 in the midst of World War 2 by a prominent pastor in New York City. He saw firsthand the impact “crisis” made on people. He came of age during World War 1. He began his ministry in the Roaring Twenties. He served through the Great Depression until the end of World War 2. He was a national voice. He helped our nation process their pain. And the one thing he kept coming back to over and over again was how all these different crises revealed the “de-formation” of humanity’s soul. We just can’t get out of our own way. We keep striving in our own strength. We keep turning to our own wisdom. But it was clear to Rev. Scherer that the world’s resources were now played out. The highest ideals of secularism had descended into the horrors of the Holocaust. Science produced fearful and terrifying weapons of mass destruction. Set free from the shackles of religion, humanity pursued it’s own end with tragic consequences. All that was left was what Nietzsche called, “the will to power.” Millions died as a result. Millions experienced systematic abuse and oppression. Millions suffered the consequences of our collective anger and hate.
Tragically, humanity just seems to hit the “repeat” button every generation. The people of Israel abandon David. The once-great hero is now on the run for his life. All the power dynamics of this particular ancient near east society are thrown up in the air. Allegiances change overnight. Everyone casting their lot with the person they believe will eventually prevail. Ziba makes a play for his master’s wealth. Shimei takes the opportunity to take out all his frustrations. Abishai reverts to type, thinking he can solve every problem with violence. Ahithophel is so ashamed when his advice isn’t taken, he goes home and takes his own life. Joab seizes the opportunity to kill Absalom against specific orders from his king. David weeps over the death of his son. Israel will return to David but nothing will ever again be the same. Violence and suffering and warfare will mark the rest of David’s reign. There is just something dark and deep in our nature that continues to defile us.
Now consider our own situation. A pandemic still rages all over the world. The recent photos of the funeral pyres in India serve as a sobering reminder of the danger so many remain in. Yes, vaccinations are largely available but only in those countries that can afford it. Only in those nations who have the logistical infrastructure to transport and store them safely. And even after COVID fades, the deep political and social divisions it exposed remain. We are more polarized than ever. Those on the other side of the aisle are no longer colleagues with whom we respectfully disagree but enemies we must crush. Those who take a different position socially are no longer friends with whom we can respectfully disagree but hate-filled bigots who must be cut out of our lives. We are all looking for someone to blame. Someone to attack. Someone to degrade. But the sad reality is there is no win here. No way out. We’re engaged in a zero sum game. There is just something dark and deep in our nature that continues to defile us.
So where do we find hope? Only in Christ. Christ gives us the compassion to walk in another person’s shoes. Christ gives us the grace to allow people to make mistakes. Christ gives us love for those with whom we disagree or those who we call our enemies. Christ gives us joy even in the midst of our trials. Christ gives us strength to persevere through our suffering. Christ gives us the humility to ask for help. Christ gives us peace in the midst of the storm. Friends, we have reached the horizon of our lives. We have reached the end of our resources. No amount of government intervention or social engineering can possibly save any of us from ourselves. Only Christ can deliver us. Only Christ can save us. Only Christ can set us free.
Readings for tomorrow: None