“I watched while he ripped off the sixth seal: a bone-jarring earthquake, sun turned black as ink, moon all bloody, stars falling out of the sky like figs shaken from a tree in a high wind, sky snapped shut like a book, islands and mountains sliding this way and that. And then pandemonium, everyone and his dog running for cover—kings, princes, generals, rich and strong, along with every commoner, slave or free. They hid in mountain caves and rocky dens, calling out to mountains and rocks, ‘Refuge! Hide us from the One Seated on the Throne and the wrath of the Lamb! The great Day of their wrath has come—who can stand it?’” (Revelation 6.12-17)
Am I reading a paragraph describing work, a trendy war, politicians, men in response to the latest “I am” movement, or something else? Everywhere I look I find pandemonium reigning. Perceptions a week old dominate and drive decisions today. Accusations founded in quicksand fly randomly, wounding innocents without any apparent thought or accountability. Disasters continue unchecked yet expectations for their resolution continue to grow. Who can stand? Who will survive? Who wants to live this way?
I for one am sick of hiding! The idea that compromise and conformity are the answers is rubbish. The fact that everything in chaos shouldn’t surprise or alarm anyone; it has been that way all our lives, regardless of our awareness of its existence. The harsh reality of pain and suffering is nothing knew; it is as much a part of our lives as beauty and breathing. The uncertainty of the present is no worse than yesterday’s position. What is at question is our understanding of where and why we are still standing.
God has given each of us the opportunity to be part of a vibrant creative power. We can make a difference for good yet our future is not determined by conventional means! Yesterday’s solutions with battles, warfare, and intrigue are out; they never were God’s anyways. The answer always lies is walking with God, living out grace, mercy, and compassion.
