Daily Reading
Exodus 21, 22
Psalms 12
Acts 4
The Curse of Futility
Scripture:
Help, O Lord, for the godly are fast disappearing!
The faithful have vanished from the earth!
Neighbors lie to each other,
speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts. (Ps 12:1-2)These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. (Acts 4:2)
Observation:
I think it all boils down to the resurrection of the dead. If there is no life after this; if this is all there is, then what is the point of it all? There is no point in being godly or faithful. Lying would not be right or wrong, but relative to what I want because this life is all I have. I would speak with flattering lips and deceit in order to get what I think will fulfill me. There would be nothing holding me back from any and every kind of wrong because the purpose of my life would be to make this short existence the best experience ever.
Application:
As a follower of Christ, I obviously believe in the resurrection of the dead. Jesus is not dead, but alive and with God interceding for all of us. If I believe there is more to this life; that intimacy with God is the purpose for this life, then I will behave accordingly. I will do what it takes to please my Master and Creator.
The point, I think, is to determine what world view your “neighbor” with the deceitful heart holds. Why do they feel it is necessary to be deceitful? Do they believe in life after death or are they held in bondage to the belief that this is all there is and fighting the mundane of daily living? Are they trying to break free from the curse of futility like Sisyphus who had to push the stone up a hill only to have it roll back so he had to start all over again? That truly is a fate worse than death especially when death would bring an end to it all.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to see the motive behind “ungodly” behaviors. Teach me to be compassionate and understanding and to see people the way you see them, even when they are being decietful and are really irritating! Thank-you for the assurance that this world is not the end; that You are waiting for us on the other side. Amen.
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