Today I have set before you
life and prosperity, death and doom.
If you obey the commandments of the LORD, your God,
which I enjoin on you today,
loving him, and walking in his ways,
and keeping his commandments, statutes and decrees,
you will live and grow numerous,
and the LORD, your God,
will bless you in the land you are entering to occupy.
L ong before America's several "Great Awakenings," there was humankind's "Great Transformation," a story explored in Karen Armstrong's book of that name. As goods were exchanged from India and China to the Mediterranean basin, ideas moved even more freely.
Discovering that every town and village had its own religious practices and notions, some speculated that there might be universal principles for everyone; that there might be "two ways." They are good and evil. Unlike that of other animals, human behavior can be assessed as good or wicked. Seeing that our decisions and actions have consequences, good behavior can lead to satisfying results, and wicked often does not.
If the rewards or penalties of our behavior are not immediately apparent, the gods may be interfering or intervening in the process; or they might have decided to withhold judgment for a while. They might be playing with us as people play with pets.
Amid this "Great Transformation," there appeared the Jewish religion. Historians can compare and contrast the various religions, as they still do with collegiates in "comparative religion" classes. The Lord's faithful people, however, know there is no comparison. God has spoken to his Chosen People through Abraham, Moses, and Jesus Christ. He speaks to us through the Church, "in partial and various ways." He also guides our hearts in the quiet of our private devotions.
"the wicked scorn God, and say in their hearts, “God does not care”
...take note of misery and sorrow;
[He will] take the matter in hand."To you [God,] the helpless can entrust their cause;you are the defender of orphans.Break the arm of the wicked and depraved;make them account for their crimes;let none of them survive! (Psalm 10: 14)
Because we also believe that, after his crucifixion, the Father raised Jesus from the dead and gave him universal authority to judge the living and the dead, we believe the just will be rewarded with eternal bliss in God's presence, despite whatever suffering they endured on earth.
We also believe the Judge will condemn the wicked, regardless of their wealth and high position in this life, to an endless punishment. (Acts 24:15, Daniel 12:2, and John 5:28-29) It may be no more severe than eternal regret for lost opportunities, or it may be worse. That is in God's merciful and just hands.
...life and prosperity, death and doom.If you obey the commandments of the LORD, your God,which I enjoin on you today,loving him, and walking in his ways,and keeping his commandments, statutes and decrees,you will live and grow numerous....
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.