Lord, we need your intervention in the world today! Part 1
Like the ancient Roman Empire, this world is doomed to fall,
and it’s much too big a thing for mortal man.
Just take a look around and see the writing on the wall,
somehow we’ve got to find a helping hand.
This world has never been in the awful shape it’s in,
and people scorn the things our leaders do.
It’s time a prayer was spoken from the heart of every man,
Jesus, take a hold and lead us through!
The mighty roar of gunfire is now a local sound,
and our city streets are filled with angry men.
Law is now a mockery throughout our troubled land,
and destruction seems to be the current trend.
This world has never been in the awful shape it’s in,
and our leaders seem in doubt, of what to do.
It’s time a prayer was spoken from the heart of every man,
Jesus, take a hold and lead us through!
Yes, Jesus, take a hold and lead us through!
The song lyrics you just read were written and performed by Merle Haggard in June, of 1970. If I hadn’t said 1970, you might well have believed it was written about today. When we survey the condition of the current world, it would seem to the most casual observer, that if anything, things have gotten worse. I believe that Merle Haggard put his finger square on the answer to the world’s dilemma in his song of over 50 years ago. Jesus is the answer!
In fact Jesus Himself, in the book of John,seems to indicate that things will continue being in turmoil as long as we are in this world; however, He alone is the answer:
John 16:33 (AMP)
33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
So which is it? Are things going to go from bad to worse, or through Jesus, can we look forward to better days ahead? We must remember the fact that we have an adversary who is behind all the chaos, distress, unrest and suffering that is so easily seen in the world today as well as in the past.
John 10:10 (NIV) 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Satan is the thief who is causing the chaos, distress, unrest and suffering! We are in an all-out war against all the powers of the evil one! In this battle we are victorious because we are on the Lord’s side!
1 John 4:4 (NIV) 4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
– Part 2 coming in the next post –