It's a troubling, seemingly rhetorical question - "If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11.3) The anticipated answer is basically little, or nothing. When the bedrock of values of a society or community are systematically and deliberately destroyed, the righteous are left to ponder a course of action.
Little needs to be said about the destruction of foundational values in our times. The evidence abounds. Sanctioning of same-sex marriage by a growing number of states in this country is simply the latest "sledgehammer" attack on society's foundation. It is deeply lamentable and regrettable, but "what can the righteous do?"
It seems that the Psalmist deliberately followed the rhetorical question of verse 3 with an important declaration of truth: "The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD'S throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men." (Psalm 11.4) No matter whether man's efforts are gradual or aggressive in destroying the foundations, their activity does not escape the notice of Yahweh God. The motives of all are seen and tested by their Creator.
It is a given that the foundations will be destroyed. The apostle Paul clearly spoke, under inspiration of Holy Spirit, that "the last days" would be characterized by ungodly lifestyle (2 Timothy 3.1-5). As such, his challenge to a young man, Timothy, was to "preach the word" (2 Timothy 4.2). Amidst the destruction of the foundations, clear and bold proclamation of "the word" (Acts 8.12) is an urgent priority. Through consistent lifestyle and deep compassion, the biblical gospel shines out especially bright in the days of the destruction of the foundations.
The destruction of a society's foundation need not be the destruction of personal foundation. Jesus clearly challenged each individual hearer to both listen to and apply His words (Matthew 7.24-27). Total lifestyle integration of the word of truth is a priority in any age, regardless of a society's foundation. May our lives be firmly established on the true foundation, as we assist others in doing the same.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Little needs to be said about the destruction of foundational values in our times. The evidence abounds. Sanctioning of same-sex marriage by a growing number of states in this country is simply the latest "sledgehammer" attack on society's foundation. It is deeply lamentable and regrettable, but "what can the righteous do?"
It seems that the Psalmist deliberately followed the rhetorical question of verse 3 with an important declaration of truth: "The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD'S throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men." (Psalm 11.4) No matter whether man's efforts are gradual or aggressive in destroying the foundations, their activity does not escape the notice of Yahweh God. The motives of all are seen and tested by their Creator.
It is a given that the foundations will be destroyed. The apostle Paul clearly spoke, under inspiration of Holy Spirit, that "the last days" would be characterized by ungodly lifestyle (2 Timothy 3.1-5). As such, his challenge to a young man, Timothy, was to "preach the word" (2 Timothy 4.2). Amidst the destruction of the foundations, clear and bold proclamation of "the word" (Acts 8.12) is an urgent priority. Through consistent lifestyle and deep compassion, the biblical gospel shines out especially bright in the days of the destruction of the foundations.
The destruction of a society's foundation need not be the destruction of personal foundation. Jesus clearly challenged each individual hearer to both listen to and apply His words (Matthew 7.24-27). Total lifestyle integration of the word of truth is a priority in any age, regardless of a society's foundation. May our lives be firmly established on the true foundation, as we assist others in doing the same.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
posted by steve @ 7:40 AM
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