Unless We Repent

          What are we supposed to say in face of the terrible things happening in our country?  How can we respond when someone takes their guns and shoots a bunch of people in a school, church, work place, or any other location where they thought they were safe?  As people given a special last-day message from God, can we provide any particular hope or comfort?  Will our voice be lost among the many trying to offer solace, hope, and solution, or will it stand out as noteworthy and divine?

       Here are a couple statements from religious leaders: 

                "I would like to take this opportunity to dialogue.... We are asked to summon the courage and the intelligence to resolve today’s many geopolitical and economic crises. Even in the developed world, the effects of unjust structures and actions are all too apparent. Our efforts must aim at restoring hope, righting wrongs, maintaining commitments, and thus promoting the well-being of individuals and of peoples. We must move forward together, as one, in a renewed spirit of fraternity and solidarity, cooperating generously for the common good."  (Pope Francis, US Congress 2015)

            “It is time for our society to engage in open, honest, civil, and productive conversation about finding solutions to put an end once and for all to gun violence. We pray that this tragedy will bring about much needed change and address the pandemic of gun violence."  (A Religious Leader)

                These are religious leaders.  Is this the kind of message we are supposed to be giving to the world?  Is it true that if we will just talk to each other, try to understand each other better, that we will find a solution to our problems and create a peaceful society - a heaven on earth? 

            I am here to tell you the message from God is very different.  The situation when Jesus came to earth the first time is very similar to what we see today.  

            "At the time of the birth of Christ.... The deception of sin had reached its height. All the agencies for depraving the souls of men had been put in operation. The Son of God, looking upon the world, beheld suffering and misery. With pity He saw how men had become victims of satanic cruelty. He looked with compassion upon those who were being corrupted, murdered, and lost. They had chosen a ruler who chained them to his car as captives. Bewildered and deceived, they were moving on in gloomy procession toward eternal ruin,--to death in which is no hope of life, toward night to which comes no morning. Satanic agencies were incorporated with men. The bodies of human beings, made for the dwelling place of God, had become the habitation of demons. The senses, the nerves, the passions, the organs of men, were worked by supernatural agencies in the indulgence of the vilest lust. The very stamp of demons was impressed upon the countenances of men. Human faces reflected the expression of the legions of evil with which they were possessed. Such was the prospect upon which the world's Redeemer looked. What a spectacle for Infinite Purity to behold! 

            Sin had become a science, and vice was consecrated as a part of religion. Rebellion had struck its roots deep into the heart, and the hostility of man was most violent against heaven. It was demonstrated before the universe that, apart from God, humanity could not be uplifted. A new element of life and power must be imparted by Him who made the world. {Desire of Ages 29-37}

Matthew 3:1-3  "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea saying:  Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.... The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight."

            Society then was much like it is today.  Government was corrupt, religious leaders were hypocritical.  Evil and violence were constants in the lives of everyone.  When John the Baptist was given his work to prepare people for the coming of the Messiah, it was a message of Repentance toward God which was the only way there could be any change.  The same call, the same solution, was offered by Jesus.

Mark 1:14    Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God saying:  The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.  

            Then we have this experience from the life of Jesus that underscores the lesson.  Some "news" was brought to Jesus about unjust government actions and also a terrible "act of God" tragedy.  Did He organize a protest, have anything to say about possible "unsafe working conditions", or other such responses such as we are used to hearing today?  Read the passage and hear Him as He speaks.  

Luke 13:1-5    "...except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish."

            God cares when terrible things happen.  Jesus is not indifferent to our tragedies.  But He also knows that there is only one hope for humanity today.  It is not here in this earth. It can only come from God.

            The problem in our world is SIN.  When was the first murder?  When were women first abused?  After sin entered.  (see Genesis 4)  The great need in our world today is the same as ever - Repent, Obey the Lord, Prepare to meet Him.  Everywhere we look we see the result of sin, which is disobedience to God's law.  God wants us to see the effect of sin so we will turn away from it (repent) in our life and never want to disobey Him ever again.

            9T 13   "There are not many, even among educators and statesmen, who comprehend the causes that underlie the present state of society. Those who hold the reins of government are not able to solve the problem of moral corruption, poverty, pauperism, and increasing crime. They are struggling in vain to place business operations on a more secure basis. If men would give more heed to the teaching of God's word, they would find a solution of the problems that perplex them."